Dracontius und der Mythos

Dracontius' work covers religious and profane poetry, including some short epics, which stand out from better-known versions of the myths, due to their variations, which are difficult to interpret. The relationship between the groups of works is disputed. Using the religious poetry, these studies initially deal with the main features of his worldview and ethics as well as his concepts of gods and myths, and examine in detail the extensive use of myths in the Laudes Dei. Using this as a basis and referring to the mythical traditions, the short epic Medea and De raptu Helenae are thoroughly analysed and interpreted. During this process the remaining profane poetry is considered and perspectives for its interpretation are demonstrated. Dracontius' approach to myth is no longer influenced by Christian rejection, allegorical appropriation or uncritical reverence of tradition, rather it is based on his new interpretations of the myths in religious and profane poetry as a synthesis of Christian world view and pagan culture. They bear witness to the altered relationship of Christians to these traditions in the late Classical period.