Ritual as Battle: Conceptual Metaphor and Submerged Semantics in Sophron and Alcman

Abstract

Two Greek papyrus texts (Sophron frag. 4a, Alcman frag. 1.60–63) that describe ritual using verbs with unusual semantics are examined against a broader analytical background and with reference to comparative evidence. An underlying conceptual metaphor of ritual-as-fighting, seen elsewhere in ancient Greek literature and with parallels in both ancient and contemporary cultures of the Indian subcontinent, explains the use of the verb “box” (puktaleuein) in Sophron and “do battle” (makhesthai) in Alcman. The framework of metaphorical deployment supports etymological connections linking conceptions of Greek ritual expertise with that of the ancient Persian priests called magoi.