Tragic Hexameters and Generic Archaeology: Hera’s Hymn to the Nymphs (Aesch. Frags. 168–168b Radt)

Abstract

This article discusses the hexameter piece in Aeschylus’ fragments 168–168b Radt (probably from Semele or Water-bearers), a hymn to the nymphs of Argos sung by Hera while disguised as a wandering priestess. First I detail the way in which the text evokes and adapts the tradition of hymnic poetry in hexameters (instantiated, among others, by the Homeric Hymns) in both content and form. Then I argue that Aeschylus performs an exercise in generic archaeology, recreating an archetypal stage of the hymnic tradition in the fitting context of a mythical episode.