Rape And The Mortal Rapists - 1437 Words

In ancient Greco-Roman mythic narrative rape is depicted as a normalised and often essential paradigm that is used to show the gods’ dominance over lesser beings. Numerous accounts represent the gods as having transcended the boundaries of justice and morality by highlighting their exemption from prosecution for rape in contrast to mortal rapists, who cannot avoid punishment. Furthermore, aetiological-rape myths reveal that only the gods could bring about creation through rape, whether it be the birth of divine offspring, the dawn of natural phenomena or the founding of new institutions. In this light, the divine rapists are better than the mortal rapists because at least their penetration can prove productive for narrative continuity.†¦show more content†¦On the other hand, mortal barbarian Tereus, who had locked up his sister-in-law in a hut in the woods and had raped and mutilated her, is served up his son Itys for supper as a form of revenge from his wife Procne . Likewise, Ajax and his fleet her subject to Athena’s wrath after he robs Cassandra of her maidenhood in the goddess’s temple . Thus, these mortal rapists seem to be bound to an ill fate while the gods are exempt from accountability. After closer examination it is noticed that there are tonal and textual differences between the myths of divine rapists and mortal rapist, these differences providing support as to why rape by gods seems less punishable than compared to rape committed by mortal men. Much of the Daphne and Apollo story carries a sense of excitement and titillation as Ovid replaces sexually explicit rape with descriptions of Daphne’s beauty and her running away: â€Å"She was graceful to see, as the wind bared her limbs and its gusts stirred her garments †¦ he gave the fleeing maiden no respite, but followed close on her heels, and his breath touched the locks that lay scattered on her neck.† (Ovid, Metamorphoses 1.526-7, 541-3) Apollo cou ld have seized and raped her immediately but instead attempts to woe her with words in a courtly manner. Upon Daphne turning into a laurel tree Apollo declares: â€Å"You (Daphne: laurel) will accompany the generals of Rome, when the Capitol