Meaningless Accidents or the Wrath of the Gods?

[John.]

I wondered, did Zeus strike Euripides down with a lightning bolt for writing such a thing about him?I looked up how did Euripides die? on Google. Here's the first thing I got:http://ancienthistory.about.com/library ... 97.htmWell, not a lightning bolt, but worse. He was torn to pieces by women! LOLJohn

[S]

Greetings John,Well, the article stated a possiblity of three separate means of death... not just the one.
It was a succint, brief life history, but of course, one must examine the writings of the man to understand the time and place of the man.That said, Euripedes is an interesting person to examine even today, especially in regards to why he was rejected by his contemporaries- this is a story that could have come out of todays headlines, considering how difficult/unsafe it is in some countries to question the "head authority" or "social order" freely and without fear of censure or reprisal or accusation.. A few random perspectives on Euripides works:http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck. ... neande.htm For myself, I believe Euripides' major fault was that he failed to realize how tightly a dominant group in a culture/society/regime/religion holds onto its power and entitlement; speaking truth to power usually results, initially and sometimes for many years, in imprisonment, death, censure, ostracism, banishment...as witnessed in numerous nations around the globe even today. He held his culture up to the light for examination and paid the price in ostracism. Regards,
Sikander

[John.]

Right. I should have given the whole quote:"He is said to have been killed by hunting dogs, either accidentally let loose on him or deliberately set on him by enemies or rivals, or torn apart by women.""Accidentally" or "deliberately"? Fits in nicely with the title of this thread.A coincidence? Or the power of Zeus?John

[gb]

Here's the complete text about Euripides' death from your link:Euripides died in 407/406 in Macedonia at the court of King Archelaus, either in self-imposed exile or at the king's invitation. An **improbable** explanation of his death shows how controversial he was: "He is said to have been killed by hunting dogs, either accidentally let loose on him or deliberately set on him by enemies or rivals, or torn apart by women." But unfortunately I cannot give a serious critique as to the relevance of this source, as one should before using it, therefore I could never put it forward as anything more than a rumour...

[S]

Greetings John,Traditionally, he was "torn apart by hunting dogs".. I think later speculations may be integrating the Orpheus myth... was he not the fellow who was torn apart by Maeneds?As to the hunting dogs- if these dogs were anything like some of the Molossian-type breeds then (and even now!), I would venture that anyone overtaken in their path was considered "fair game"... they were bred to be ferocious, determined, single-minded and independent in determining and choosing their target.
It takes mere seconds for a fatal mistake or error- as too many people can attest today who have had the misfortune to be overtaken by some of the related modern breeds, including the Caucasian, the Greek mountain dogs, the Akbashes and the Anatolians, etc..
I find it hard to credence that too many people today assume that the people attacked/maimed or wounded today are attacked as "punishment" from a god?Though Euripides may well have angered even his guest host with his analysis of society- people do not like to look into a mirror, sometimes! However, it was usually considered bad form to kill your guests...more so when sober (laughing)Regards,
Sikander

[smittysmitty]

Alexanders gayness must have been genetic if we follow Hesiods line of geaneologies.Hyacinthos who was Apollo's lover was the son of Pieros, Pieros was the son of Magnes. Magnes was the brother of Macedon. And Macedon , well Macedon was Macedon lol.Make of it what you will.
cheers!

[xxx]

Of course Euripides supposed 'death' is a mirror of his prize winning play The Bacchae, where Pentheus (sp?) is torn apart by those crazy females and then they play ball with his flesh (i.e. the 'torn apart' by hunting dogs).Very unlikely he died in that fashion, but it makes for a great story and no one was more fond of a good story than the ancient greeks. particularly if it involved revenge for a certain viewpoint of the gods as mirrored in that play. Ancient Divine justice, truth be damned

[S]

Greetings,
Yes, that was my take on it, also- that his own story got confused with his death.Regards,
Sikander