What do Water-Bearers do in Aeschylus’ Semele?
Abstract
The following note offers a new interpretation of the role of the chorus of water-bearers in Aeschylus’ Semele or Hydrophoroi. As I argue, their identity could be related less to the ritual or practical use of water than to the place from which they fetched it, namely, the spring of Dirke, which is known for its relationship to Dionysus’ birth.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Classical Antiquity Studies
Classical Studies and Philology
Classical Philosophy and Thought
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Hermes
- Volume
- 154
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 29–33
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- DE