Note a Aesch. Lykourgeia fr. 62 R.

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, I focus on both the meaning and the context of fr. 62 R. from
Aeschylus’ Edonians. In particular, I support Mureddu’s argument about the meaning
of the word χλούνης and of the fragment in general. It is Lycurgus who pronounces
the line, as he makes fun of Dionysus by calling him a “street burglar”. I am also going
to advance a new hypothesis for the placement of the fragment itself. The line most
likely belongs to the first episode, when the king has not yet met Dionysus. Textual
evidence from both the Bacchae and the Lycurgus by Naevius argue for this possibility.
For addressing Dionysus as a burglar would not make sense after the seizure of
the god, who most likely gives himself up to Lycurgus’ soldiers. I also argue for the
fragment belonging to a strong exchange between the king and his subjects, as the
latter are apparently reticent to perform the duty assigned to them by Lycurgus. Other
textual parallels from the Bacchae and the Lycurgus, as well as general remarks on the
reception of Dionysus cult in literary sources, argue for this hypothesis.