Anatolian Origins of the Gordian Knot Legend

Classical Antiquity, 1984

Page 1. LYNN E. ROLLER Midas and the Gordian Knot ... 23. Herodotos 7.73. 24. The Phrygian language seems to have been related to other prehistoric Balkan languages: J. Friedrich, RE 201 (1941) 878-880, sv Phrygia; RA Crossland, CAHF III' (1982) 849. 25. ...

* This article examines the incised drawings of Early Phrygian Gordion, and in particular those of Megaron 2. Aspects of their iconographic and archaeological contexts are taken in to consideration, as well as literary sources and especially the story of the Gordian knot. The focus of the study is a series of incised labyrinths, which have hitherto not been recog­ nized as such, but which are of particular interest for the analysis of this building. The myth of Theseus and the Minotaur in the labyrinth helps to throw light on both the images of Megaron 2 but also on the story of the Gordion knot, and how these are interlinked with each other. It is sug­ gested that Ariadne's ball of thread and the Gordian knot are two differ­ ent expressions of a similar concept; both represent sovereignty provided by a Goddess. Megaron 2 seems to have been a building that was inti­ mately connected with both the king and the Phrygian Mother Goddess.

Mythology bears many clues that illuminate the ancient history. If we regard them from a functionalist, as a Durkheimian view, the main roles of all myths are legitimate the social and moral structure of a society and to reaffirm the identity of the people. Myths contribute to the essence of the identity of a nation. Since the Early Ages, Anatolia has hosted many ancient civilizations. The unique characteristic of Anatolia has been noticed by everyone in throughout the world if they interested in art, literature, music and any subject ranging from the first beauty contest in the world to the Gordion knot. It is impossible to avoid the origins of many inventions emerged in Anatolia. Phrygia and its richness on mythology is just one of the parts of Anatolian richness. The distinguished characteristics of Phrygia and such as King Midas, King Nannakos and the other mythological figures such as god or goddess contribute a lot to introduce the Anatolia by means of their highly regarded place in the world literature, art and history.

Macedonian Legacies: Studies in Macedonian History and Culture in Honor of Eugene N. Borza, edited by Timothy Howe and Jeanne Reames, 2008

Alexander's interest in the Gordian knot reflects the underlying historical and cultural relationship between Phrygia and Macedonia.

Anatolian interfaces: Hittites, Greeks and their …, 2008

On several occasions the Phrygian King Midas was portrayed with donkey's em in Grea Iiterarure and art. There is no text that offers a plausible apl:lnation of Midas' snangc ap pearance and later commentators provide many competing stories [0 account for his animal ears. A new interpretation can be offered on the grounds of a pre.Phrygian Analalian madi· don. The reviso:!. rcading of the Luwian hieroglyphs on the so-aJlcd 'Tarkondcmos Seal' reveals me donkey as an old Anatolian royal symbol. The Phrygians might possibly haY(' adopted this kind of symbolism which latcr was lost or misundcf$mod. Greeks who pro vided their own imcrprct:uions of Midas' ass's nrs only reintcrpmcd the original myth ere :uing ~raillilia. Anamlian and Aegean Bronze Age surviva4: in Phrygian cullUrt arc being discussed as well.