Transnational and Interdisciplinary Aspects in the Phenomenon of Ancient and Modern Medea

Abstract

Medea, an outstanding character of the ancient Greek mythology, destroyed the boundaries of location and highly exspressed nationalism, and was formed as an archetype of the world culture.

Continuous pluralism of Aiets's daughter cut the edges completely and became an interdisciplinary phenomenon. Medea became a subject of interest for literature, music, art, sculpture, cinematography, theatre, history, archaeology, astronomy, phsycology, geography and medicine. The character of Medea, that is contradictory enables us to do a research with the aspects of trans-nationalism since antiquity up to the contemprorary era.

According to the myth, Medea is a granddaughter of the God of Sun, Helios, a daughter of the king of Kolchi - Aiet and Ida ( Hesiod. Theog. 958) or the goddess Hekate (Diod, 4. 45), first a wife of Jason and later of the King of Athens- Aegeos. She was adored in Greece. They built temples and sang songs for her.

Euripides made Medea's character as a killer of her own children ( Euripides "Medea" 431 B.C.). Paradoxically, she became more and more popular, closer and inspirational across ages in many countries.

Comparative literature methodology enables us discuss Medea with many aspects, how it was shown in many ganres, languages and nations, in different countries and epochs.