THE PLACE OF ORIGIN OF THE MYTH OF THE RETURN OF THE HERACLEIDAE

This article presents an attempt to find an answer to the question where the myth of the return of the Heracleidae was created. A distinctive feature of this myth is that, unlike other foundation myths, it speaks not of one but of three poleis (Argos, Messenia and Sparta) thus creating a basis for their form of government and giving reasons for their current state of affairs. The said feature cannot but pose difficulties in defining the place of origin of the myth; and that has been reflected in a number of works on the Dorian invasion or those that deal with the history of Argos, Messenia and Sparta. Analysis of the available evidence shows that the myth itself must have originated in Argos. But a number of amendments to its content may have been introduced by the Spartans pursuing certain political goals.

HERACLEIDAE, DORIANS, ARGOS, LACONIA, SPARTA, MESSENIA