Greek Myths XS: Rhesus, Lord of the Dance

For the ancient Greeks, dancing was a natural response of the body, mind and soul to music. They would dance spontaneously at parties, or perform choreographies in group. A dance could tell a story, showcase martial skills, entertain guests or shape religious rituals. Plato for example, recommended dancing as an essential part of the development of good citizens. The wildlife god Pan would have invented the first choreography, and later, the Muse Terpsichore (“delightful dance”) took over the dancing department. Her son Rhesus had been brought up with song and dance, and by all accounts, this should have been the perfect military training. So, when he arrived at the Trojan battlefield, dashingly elegant at the front of his batallion of mounted warriors, the Trojan hope of pushing back the Greeks was revived. But that same night, he had all his magnificent horses stolen by Odysseus, and got himself unalived in the process. Maybe, besides dancing with his mum, he should have included some shooting practice.

Ephebe Quoir, Attic Crater, Basel Antikenmuseum, Switzerland

Dancers, Pelike, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA