Chronos and Chthoniê: Beginnings and Foundations in Ancient Mythology and Modern Theories of Myth

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Susanne Gödde
• Subject Area: Greek and Latin Philology ; Religious Studies and Jewish Studies
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 458735579

This subproject examines narratives of beginnings and foundations in Greek antiquity and in modern theories of myth from a comparative perspective. It systematically analyses the types and functions of such narratives and of constructions of the past in myth. Particular attention is paid to whether and in what context beginnings are represented as inevitably leading to and legitimizing a linear sequence of events with a ‘destined’ outcome, and when beginnings are destabilized or problematized by non-linear, ‘scenic’ narratives, narrative detours, and even disruptions. The part of the subproject concerned with Greek antiquity evaluates the applicability and potential of the concept of aetiology for understanding cosmogonies and political foundation narratives. Both types of narrative revolve around ideas of autochthony and/or the primordial divinity Earth (Gaia/Chthoniê), concepts which necessitate an approach informed by religious studies. The part of the subproject devoted to modern theory focuses on fundamental concepts of time embedded in myths, and on the interconnection of narration and explanation attributed to myth. Finally, both parts of the subproject are united by the question of the aetiological potential of violence, and examine the relationship between narratives of beginnings and their (real or supposed) performance in ritual.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5323: Aetiologies: Founding Narratives in Literary, Scholarly, and Scientific Discourses