Scythians and ξεινικὰ νόμαια

Abstract

Herodotus’ logos about Scythians and ξεινικὰ νόμαια—amusing and ominous, as is typical of him, yet insightful—consists of two stories about the sad lots of Anacharsis and Scyles; the story begins with a statement that Scythians shun practicing customs of other peoples, particularly those of Hellas; it ends as an adage asserting the initial statement: that is the way Scythians guard their customs (4.76–80). Herodotus describes the barbarian neighbors’ attitude towards foreign and alien customs. But these two examples are about their own, Scythian, heroes or rather antiheroes. Both the philhellenes forswear their native religion and customs and abandon themselves to Greek ritual practices; therefore, they suffer for their behavior. The author of the article holds that Herodotus was sympathetic to Scythians’ resentment against ξεινικὰ νόμαια. The Greek historian speaks about piety and patriotism of Scythians, who believe that the offence against νόμαια is a threat to the very foundation of their culture.