Homo Necans

Homo Necans

Homo Necans: The Anthropology of Ancient Greek Sacrificial Ritual and Myth is a seminal work by Walter Burkert, a renowned German classicist and scholar of Greek mythology and religion. First published in 1972, the book explores the origins and significance of sacrifice in ancient Greek culture, proposing that these rituals are deeply rooted in the human instinct for violence and the need to control it through structured communal practices.

Overview

In Homo Necans, Burkert argues that the act of sacrifice in ancient Greek society is a ritualized form of hunting, which he believes is a fundamental aspect of human nature. He suggests that these rituals serve to channel the inherent human propensity for violence into a socially acceptable form, thereby maintaining social cohesion and order.

Key Concepts

Sacrifice

Burkert's analysis of sacrifice in ancient Greece is grounded in the idea that it is a symbolic reenactment of the hunt. He posits that the ritual killing of an animal serves as a substitute for human violence, allowing the community to express and control its aggressive instincts.

Myth and Ritual

Burkert also explores the relationship between myth and ritual, suggesting that myths often serve to explain and justify the rituals practiced by a society. He examines various Greek myths, such as the story of Prometheus and the Titanomachy, to illustrate how they reflect and reinforce the themes of sacrifice and violence.

Anthropological Approach

Burkert employs an anthropological approach, drawing on the work of scholars such as Émile Durkheim and Sigmund Freud. He integrates insights from sociology, psychology, and biology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of sacrifice in human culture.

Impact and Legacy

Homo Necans has had a profound impact on the study of ancient Greek religion and mythology. It has influenced subsequent scholarship in the fields of classics, anthropology, and religious studies. Burkert's interdisciplinary approach has opened new avenues for understanding the complex interplay between ritual, myth, and human behavior.

See Also

• Walter Burkert
• Greek mythology
• Sacrifice
• Anthropology
• Ritual
• Myth

Further Reading

• Theories of Myth
• Ancient Greek Religion
• Ritual Studies