Abstract
The article deals with the topic of "initiations" in Plato's Phaedrus. The idea of initiation was characteristic of Greek mysteries, especially the Eleusinian and Orphic mysteries, which played a large role in the formation of Greek philosophy. The essence of initiations was the experience of divinity. The motive of initiations in Plato's Phaedrus seems to have a similar meaning. This is also suggested by the allegory of human souls as chariots and the mystical “epopteia” motif woven into it, suggesting Eleusinian analogies.
Highlights
Phaedrus is, without doubt, one of Plato’s most beautiful dialogues and one that is inspiring
It is only the living word that may move the student’s soul (Plato, Phaedrus, 274 B–278 E).2. This power belongs only to the word uttered by a teacher who possesses knowledge: ὃμετἐπιστήμηγράφεται ἐν τῇ τοῦμανθάνοντοψυχῇ, δυνατὸμὲν ἀμῦναιἑαυτῷ, ἐπι στήμων δὲ λέγειν τε καὶ σιγᾶνπρὸοὓδεῖ. (Plato, Phaedrus, 276 A)
Ponderous, angry and devoid of memory, they fall to earth. Such souls are not allowed to become reborn in any animal shape. They will have to wait for ten thousand years until their wings are regrown and they are able to once again set off up into the heavens following their gods (Plato, Phaedrus, 248 E – 249 A)
Summary
Without doubt, one of Plato’s most beautiful dialogues and one that is inspiring.
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