La lunga vita di un εἴδωλον

Abstract

The essay reconsiders the well-known problem of the platonic interpretations of Od. 11.601-603, concerning Heracles’ εἴδωλον. Starting with a detailed description of the interpretive problems traditionally raised by the Homeric passage, the article provides an accurate analysis of Plutarch’s and Plotin’s different approaches to Heracles’ myth and to the eschatological concepts involved. The common rationalising surface hides deep conflicts inside the Platonic tradition. The cultural appropriation of the Homeric texts depends therefore to a large extent on the deliberate manipulation and misunderstanding of its original meaning.

Keywords

• Heracles’ εἴδωλον. Homeric afterlife. Platonic soul. Plotin. Plutarch