PARTHENON AND PARTHENOI - A MYTHOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE PARTHENON FRIEZE

Since the late 18th century, the Parthenon frieze has generally been v iewed as a representation of the fifth-century Athenian citizenry part icipating in their annual (or quadrennial) Panathenaic procession. Vie wed with out a mythological reference, the frieze stands outside the c onventions of Greek temple decoration, which regularly derived its sub ject matter from the mythical past. The story of King Erechtheus, his wife Praxithea, and their three maiden daughters who gave their lives to save Athens is proposed here as the mythological reference behind t he images. The east frieze shows the royal family preparing for the sa crifice of the youngest daughter, required by an oracle for victory ov er Eumolpos. The assembly of gods looks out to the approaching sacrifi cial procession of the first commemorative festival, ordained by Athen a, in memory of Erechtheus and the parthenoi. Erechtheus's triumphant cavalry and chariots follow behind those who bring animals to sacrific e, and those who carry water and honey offerings, all following behind the holy choruses of maidens who lead the procession. Thus, Athenians from the mythical past commemorate the dead hero and heroines and cel ebrate their first victory over outside aggressors in what may be view ed as a central aition of the Panathenaia itself.