Myth Narration with Neck-Amphora

The myth surrounding Ancient Greek continue to be known in recent time thanks to multiple artworks found in ancient ruins. One particular medium would be the production of ceramic, more specific the Neck-Amphora. Which would use both illustrate an event and add symbolism for other parts about the legend.

The multiple examples of Theseus artwork found during my research show Theseus in an attacking position, ready to make the final hit to the Minotaur. The part of the hero is prepared to give a final blow to the monster. The dressing also demonstrates the role of Theseus since it was clothing typical of Athenian soldiers before battle. All this indicates the perspective of Athenians on Theseus "is presented as the ideal youth: he is victorious in his Struggles against beasts and bandits, and he defeats them using his skill acquired in the gymnasium. He is not only an Athenian hero, but the hero of Athens" (Bartlett 135). Such a believes comes from his actions against the Minotaur, which was tormenting a nearby city. Athenians justified his actions since he freed most children who suffered the same fate of becoming a sacrifice to the beast.

As seen previously, the pose illustrated by the characters in the artwork provides the viewers with information about the myth. In this case, the position in which the Minotaur provided in the ornament foreshadows the fate of the Minotaur. Since, "Most depictions show Theseus in battle with the Minotaur, who usually is in a submissive if not defeated role" (Garcia 12). It's the position in which the body of the Minotaur presented on the image and the other individuals. The notion that seems to look down on the beast indicates the feeling of contempt towards the Minotaur.

Finally, a symbolic shape that I found in the ceramic vessel would be the flower at the end if both scepters in the hand of a man and a woman on the sides of the scene seem to have more meaning after looking for the significance of the flower in Ancient Greece. "For the ancient Greeks, the lotus symbolized hedonism and even apathy" (Stanton paragraph 34). It should be aware that Athenian view Theseus as an idol that younger people should aspire to follow. At the end of the wand, the flower is the message for young Athenians to stand in battle with any emotion demonstrated towards the enemy. Similar to how Theseus did during his fight against the Minotaur.

Athenians illustrated their myths through the use of numerous forms of art. The ceramic piece is a perfect example of artwork meant to reinterpret the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. The imagery of the painting shows the role which the character in the Neck-Amphora's center established in the form that they pose. And using others to symbolize to interpret another theme such as representing the young Athenians and their mission of becoming fearless heroes similar to the Athenian, Theseus.

Bartlett, Elizabeth A. “The Iconography of the Athenian Hero in Late Archaic Greek Vase Painting”. University of Virginia, 2015. PDF file. Accessed on Nov. 29, 2021. Garcia, Brittany. "Minotaur." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 01 Sep 2013. Accessed on Nov. 29, 2021. https://www.worldhistory.org/Minotaur/

Cartwright, Mark. "Theseus." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 02 May 2016. Accessed on Nov. 29, 2021. https://www.worldhistory.org/Theseus/

Stanton, Kristen M. “Lotus Flower Meanings & Symbolism + Planting, Care & Uses”. UniGuide. UniGuide. 21 June, 2021. Accessed on Nov. 29, 2021. https://www.uniguide.com/lotus-flower meaning-symbolism/

The British Museum “neck-amphora”. British Museum. Accessed on Nov. 29, 2021. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1843-1103-21

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