Hymnography in a form of rhetoric: an interesting “marriage” of genres in a late Byzantine hymnographic ethopoiia

Abstract

In codex Scorialensis graecus [ 403] X IV 8 was discovered a kanon, perhaps of Meletios Galesiotes, dedicated to the Adoration of the Magi, where the hymnographer employs the form of an ethopoiia. Consequently arises the question whether the text was a hymnographic ethopoiia or a kanon chanted in church. We can assume that it was a liturgical text, to which the author tried to add a dramatic character, providing signs of his educational background. The use of the dialogues by the hymnographer elaborates the narration of the Gospel. The kanon creates an imaginary story of the journey of the Magi, using psychological parameters and trying to sketch out their personality and emotions or even creating characters. The form of an ethopoiia describes better the motives, the actions, the character and the feelings of the holy figures and expresses a desire to add a “ dramatic” dimension in the kanon.