Herodotus 'Observation And Research Upon The Scythians' Religion

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Herodotus observation and research upon the Scythians’ religion and folklore provides an insight to other groups. Herodotus begins by providing a myth from the Scythians which is described for the purpose of their origin. He states, “According to the Scythians, theirs is the youngest of all nations…he carried the gold home, and the elder brothers reacted to this event by agreeing to surrender the entire kingdom to the youngest” (4.5). Herodotus gives the myth of Colaxis, the youngest of his siblings, winning his throne by a burning gold deflaming for only him which he was able to to convince his brothers to grant him the kingdom. On the other hand, Greeks interpret their own story of how the first Scythian ruler came to power. (4.10) provides …show more content…

More specifically, the tales of Anacharsis and Skyles provide an example of the consequences Scythians will face if they dare to acknowledge foreign customs. Herodotus explains, “The Scythians are another people that avoid foreign customs at all costs, especially those of the Hellenes,..” (4.76.1). Herodotus, a Greek historian, writes emphasis on Scythian citizens adapting Hellenistic customs. The tale of Anacharsis is one of the examples of Scythian’ attitude towards Hellenistic views and their response towards it. Thus, he illustrates, “ The king himself saw Anacharsis performing these rites, he shot him and killed him… because Anacharsis went abroad, visited Hellas, and practiced foreign customs, if anyone even now asks the Scythians about him, they will deny knowing of him at all...he died at the hand of his own brother..” (4.76.5). Clearly, the consequences are fatal and in result their name becomes an example of disgrace due to disloyalty to their own people. Herodotus sources from this example are Tymnes, the official of Ariapeithes and the citizens of Scythia. Another example would be the account of Skyles a Scythian King. (4.78) explains the story of a Scythian king who was intrigued by the customs of the Hellenes but was executed by his own people. The incident of Skyles contrasts slightly with its predecessor. This narrative

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