Mostri vicini, mostri di casa. Di alcune creature straordinarie del mito antico

Laura Cherubini

Abstract:

An incredible variety of monsters populates the myths of Greek and Roman literature. In this paper, I suggest a possible framework for understanding the various monstrous creatures that are protagonists of these tales, as well as themes of anthropological interest related to them. As a key to this discussion, I focus on the creatures' proximity to human space. I then consider on some examples of a particular group of monsters who are represented as being especially close to the human community. A brief presentation reviews mythical figures such as Satyrs, werewolves, witches and bugbears, which are capable of embodying everyday Greeks' and Romans' fears through their stories.