MYTH AS HISTORIC BENCHMARK IN HORACE 1 ODES 3:1 – 6

Abstract

Can a lyric poet have anything valid to say about historic realities?2 In this paper I argue that by looking carefully at Horace’s use of myth3 as a larger frame of reference against which Odes 3.1 – 64 should be read, a case can be made for a lyric poet’s subtly critical assessment of the contemporary reality.5 In short I want to suggest that the poet uses myth as a means to comment (implicitly) on the contemporary historic reality concerned. Furthermore, if a reference to myth can operate as implied comment on the present, this reference can also include didactic purpose, or more specifically advice on how to act in the present reality.