El significado poético de las fuentes en las Argonáuticas de Apolonio de Rodas

Abstract

éste último representado en la figura de Heracles. ABSTRACT: This article studies the metapoetic significance of the three sources of water that appear in the Argonautica, the font of Jason and Hylas in book 1, and that of Heracles in book 4. It proposes that it is necessary to interpret them in relation with each other and according to the position of each one in the poem. La font of Hylas symbolizes the strong dependence of the Argonautica on Homeric poetry: Hylas succumbs to the font, just like the imitators of Homer are not able to free themselves from their model. The second font, that of Jason, indicates the path that the Argonauts must take to create their own work. This path is the result of the piety towards the gods and the innovation with regards to the Homeric material. This poetic path aligns itself with Callimachean poetics. Finally, the third font, that of Heracles, shows how the Argonauts reach their poetic identity, thanks to their effort, but recognizing and honoring the Homeric inspiration as a fundamental part of its own work. This poetic inspiration is represented in the character of Heracles.