Parricide

Parricide is the act of killing one's parent(s) or a close relative. The term is derived from the Latin words pater (father) and -cida (killer). Parricide can refer to the act itself or the person who commits it.

Types of Parricide

There are two main types of parricide: Patricide and Matricide. Patricide refers to the act of killing one's father, while matricide refers to the act of killing one's mother.

Patricide

Patricide is derived from the Latin words pater (father) and -cida (killer). It is considered one of the most serious of crimes. In many cultures and times, patricide has been regarded as one of the worst possible offenses, often punishable by death.

Matricide

Matricide is derived from the Latin words mater (mother) and -cida (killer). Like patricide, matricide is considered a serious crime. The act is often associated with severe mental illness or extreme emotional trauma.

Historical and Cultural Context

Parricide has been a topic of interest in many cultures and historical periods. In ancient Rome, for example, the crime of parricide was punishable by a unique and gruesome method known as the Poena cullei.

In literature, parricide often serves as a plot device in tragedies, such as in the Greek myth of Oedipus, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother.

Legal Aspects

In many jurisdictions, parricide is considered a specific crime, separate from murder. The legal definition and punishment for parricide can vary greatly from one jurisdiction to another.

See Also

• Familicide
• Filicide
• Infanticide
• Uxoricide
• Mariticide

References

Parricide Resources
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