『アルゴナウティカ』における語り手とムーサ --第1歌22行Μοῦσαι δ’ ὑποφήτορες εἶεν ἀοιδῆς--

Abstract

The expression Μοῦσαι ὑποφήτορες in Arg. 1. 22 has been discussed by many scholars over the meaning. Some assert that it means “suggesters” or “inspirers” of the story to be told in the poem as the Muses in the Iliad and the Odyssey, some that the traditional relationship between the narrator and the Muses is inverted here and the expression in question means “interpreters” of the story told by the narrator, who can make it into a fascinating poem. Each assertion has its strengths, but both of them seem to have some serious fault: if we accept the former, we will underestimate the tone of self-presentation by the narrator in the proem; if, on the other hand, we accept the latter, we will ignore the epic features which are clearly seen around the expression. This paper aims to reexamine the context and suggest a new and more appropriate interpretation which may overcome the faults above: that is, the Μοῦσαι ὑποφήτορες here can be read almost metonymically for the books or written records in the library (like θεαί in 4. 552), which store various information concerning the Argonautic expedition and can help the narrator compose a fascinating epic for the audience in the Hellenistic Alexandria.