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Satyr play
(1,196 words)

(σατυρικὸν δρᾶμα, satyrikòn drâma).

[German version]

A. Origins

As in the case of Greek tragedy, the debate on the origins of the SP also starts with an observation in Aristotle's Poetics. According to Aristot. Poet. 1449a 19 ff., tragedy had initially dealt with minor topics in a humorous language and only later acquired its appropriate solemnity, because it had developed from the satyresque (ἐκ σατυρικοῦ, ek satyrikoû) and its original nature had been …

Cite this page
Zimmermann, Bernhard (Freiburg), “Satyr play”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 25 September 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e1102670>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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