ederastic themes in literature: from Elegiac Poems to The Picture of Dorian Gray Monday, 26 October 2020, 10:52 PM by Rachel Owen NB This blog is targeting university students of Ancient History and English Literature What is Pedereasty? Before diving into pederasties role in ancient and modern works of literature, you’ll need an understanding of what pederasty is. Paederastia or Pederasty is the sexual pursuit of a juvenile male by an adult male. In modern terms, this relationship would fall under paedophilia, however in ancient Greece these relationships were seen as ideal in society. Pederastic relationships centred around the exchange of knowledge, passed from the Erastes (lover/older gentlemen) to the Eromenos (beloved/young boy). The Eromenos would receive education in Greek politics, military matters, philosophical matters, and social etiquette; all in preparation for his future citizenship role. The Erastes would be rewarded with sexual favours for his teachings, provided by the Eromenos. Pederastic scene at the palaestra: man and youth about to make love. Youth holding bag of nuts, likely a gift from his Erastes. Pederastic scene: man and youth about to make love. Youth holding a bag of nuts, likely a gift from his Erastes. Love affairs between adult and adolescent males were viewed as natural and honourable providing the following conditions of sexual etiquette were respected: Erastes took the dominant role in the relationship The relationships duration began with Eromenos’ puberty and ended with late adolescence Eromenos experiences no sexual desire in the relationship The pair engage in a lengthy courtship before submission Male relationships were common in ancient Greece, however there was a level of criticism in society for men taking passive roles of being penetrated rather than penetrators. This submissive role was deemed effeminate and led to accusations the submissive was a woman in a man’s body. Pederastic relationships removed this stigma as the Erastes dominated the power dynamic and the adolescent didn’t attain citizenship until he reached adult age. Classical culture had distaste for bodily hair on a boy’s cheeks or thighs; adolescents were considered desirable from the start of puberty until late adolescence. The desire for these young boys faded at first sight of a beard or pubic hair, usually in the age range of 17-20 years old. The Eromenos wasn’t supposed to find pleasure in the sexual acts he performed, this added to the notion that pederastic relationships were primarily centred around the student, teacher bond rather than that of lovers. Sexual favours performed for the Erastes were theoretically driven by philia (friendship) as a sign of respect and affection for the tutor. Courting an Eromenos was deemed respectful when carried out over a decent amount of time and by expensive means. The character trait of Sophrosyne was said to be obtained through this courtship; resulting in excellent character, sound mind, and a balanced individual. Erastes would show restraint through his courting rather than obtaining the boy straight away. Eromenos would equally show restraint by not surrendering to his Erastes sexual desires immediately. Ancient Literature Harmodius and Aristogeiton- Written by Thucydides in The Peloponnesian War Harmodius and Aristogeiton statues, regarded variously as martyrs and villains Harmodius and Aristogeiton statues, regarded variously as martyrs and villains Harmodius (eromenos) and Aristogeiton (erastes) were thought to be the perfect model of pederastic couples. Harmodius was propositioned for a pederastic relationship by Hipparchus, the brother of the tyrant Hippias. Harmodius turned his request down having already engaged in a relationship with Aristogeiton. When Aristogeiton heard of this proposition, he immediately began plotting the uprising against the tyrant Hippias, fearing that Hipparchus would attempt to take Harmodius by force. Hipparchus soured by the rejection, sought revenge for Harmodius. He invited Harmodius’ sister to participate in a sacred procession, only to then retract his invitation stating she was unworthy. Aristogeiton further enraged by this act, gathered a small group to attack Hipparchus. Harmodius and Aristogeiton attacked and killed Hipparchus, however Harmodius was also killed; Aristogeiton died after narrowly escaping the tyrant’s bodyguards. Due to the couple’s actions, Hippias was later overthrown and democracy was established in ancient Athens. Zeus and Ganymede- Written by Theognis in Elegiac Poems Zeus and Ganymede in a scene from 'Theft of Fire' Zeus and Ganymede in a scene from 'Theft of Fire' Zeus was apparently stricken by the beauty of the mortal boy Ganymede, that he took him to Olympus and made him immortal. Ganymede lived an immortal life in boyhood with the gods. This act was a signifier to the people that pederastic relationships were acceptable. Afterall, whatever was deem suitable for the gods (especially the king of the gods) would surely be suitable for the mortals on Earth. Modern literature Dorian Gray and Henry Wotton- Written by Oscar Wilde in The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde studied Ancient Greek in Dublin and Oxford University, taking particular interest in culture and literature from the period. It is believed that he created his main character around his knowledge of the ancient world. Pulling Dorian from the Greek tribe that occupied the major cities Sparta, Argot, and Corinth; Dorians are typically held accountable for the spread of paederastia throughout ancient Greece. Upon meeting, Lord Wotton makes numerous guidance’s towards Dorian and he follows them all. As their relationship grows, Wotton teaches him the do’s of Victorian society through sex, drugs, and alcohol. Although they can’t engage in an active pederastic relationship, Dorian takes his mentors advice on the ways of life as Wotton longs to live it but not as he actually does. Bibliography Holmen, N. Examining Greek Pederastic Relationships. 2010. (Inquires Journal) Available at: http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/175/examining-greek-pederastic-relationships [Accessed 20/10/2020] Motier, V. Sexuality. A very short introduction. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008) Theognis, Elegiac Poems. D.E. Gerber (trans.). 1999. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War. T. Hobbes (trans.). 1843. London: Bohn.