Semantics of the Mauling Scene of an Ungulate by a Feline Predator and a Griffin in the Eastern European Scythian Animal Style

Abstract

The authors consider the content of the motif of mauling of an ungulate by a feline predator and a griffin and the form of its realization in the Scythian animal style of the Eastern European area. A hypothesis is put forward about the ties of the subject of mauling in multi-figure compositions containing images of an ungulate (deer), a feline predator and a griffin with the ancient Greek myth about Dionysus-Zagreus, who was torn apart. The methods of general scientific hypothetico-deductive method with general system-functional and synchronic-diachronic approaches to the consideration of historical facts are used. Conclusions are drawn about the presence of characters of the ancient Greek myth about the struggle of Dionysus-Zagreus with Titans and about the use of figurative motives and techniques in creating a dynamic picture of the successive "transformation" of the characters. Some difference is noticeable in the embodiment of myth elements by means of fine arts in the Scythian animal style from how it is presented by Nonnus. Perhaps the Scythian artistic tradition of narrating the Orphic myth events differed from the oral and written ancient Greek tradition. The image of a deer is present and central in all compositions. The scene of mauling and the composition of artistic images in accordance with the myth of Zagreus make it possible to assume the spread among the Scythians of the version of Orphism already in the first half of the V century BC, that denied the absorption of Dionysus by the Titans, claiming his combining by Apollo and his further resurrection.

Keywords

• archaeology
• dionysus
• zagreus
• orphism
• pythagoreanism
• northern black sea region
• scythian animal style