Speech Acts and Embedded Narrative Structure in the Getty Hexameters

Abstract The Getty Hexameters are an enigmatic text that reveals a conception of the pragmatic force underlying mythic narratives. Although some scholars have concluded that the text is a composite of multiple spells, this paper argues for reading the text as a unified narrative marked by a hierarchy of authoritative speech acts that draw on the authority of three apotropaic divinities: Paean, Hecate, and Heracles. These layers of narrative acts follow a sequence of revelation, mythological analogy, and aitiology, all of which come together to demonstrate the efficacy of the text as an apotropaic charm.