Symbolika i funkcja motywów muzycznych w poezji Owidiusza

Abstract

The symbolism and function of music in the poetry of Ovid

In the archaic era of Greek culture music and poetry were inseparably combined. However, over the ages this connection has been loosened to be finally broken. In the Augustan period the memory of musical past echoes in the poetry, of which an extensive collection is found in the writings of Ovid. The poet frequently refers to Greek musical experience from which he derives a multitude of examples, motives and similes. The most prominent feature of the references to music is symbolism which is revealed in numerous mythological contexts in a metaphoric depiction. The selected myths present the origin of music such as invention of musical instruments or contests between most celebrated musicians.