The setting of Euripides’ Andromache: an inquiry about Thetideion

Abstract

This paper shows that Euripides’ Andromache is set in Thetideion, a toponym whose precise ‘nature’ has been much discussed. Euripides uses the toponym “Thetideion” in reference to the cult of Thetis near Pharsalus: the paper tries to deal with this matter by paying a special attention to the presence and the role of Thetideion in the Euripidean drama and to other primary and secondary sources. The analysis of the sources leads to the conclusion that Thetideion was the name given by the Thessalian people both to a sanctuary to Thetis and to a little territory nearby Pharsalus. They chose that name in memory of the wedding between Peleus and Thetis.