26 January 1983

Abstract

SO, IF YOU LIKE, we will continue to study the tragic transformation or modulation of the theme of fertility. I think we should note that throughout the text we have just been reading Apollo is always hailed as Leto’s son. There is absolutely nothing strange about this, and is the absolutely ritual invocation. But in this text this invocation serves as a kind of dotted line directing us to the final lines of the text when, still turned against Apollo, Creusa tells him: “Delos hates you, and the laurel hates you, which, with the fine-haired palm, shelters the cradle where Leto, in noble childbirth, brought you into the world, son of Zeus.”¹ There is something in this story of impregnation, and in Apollo’s reluctance to recognize his son Ion, that Creusa cannot fail to find unjust. In fact you know that according to the legend Apollo is Leto’s son. Leto, who was seduced by Zeus, took refuge on the island of Delos to give birth alone, and on this island her two illegitimate children, Apollo and Artemis, were born. So, exactly like Ion, Apollo is an illegitimate son resulting from an affair between a mortal and a god. And, exactly like Ion, Apollo is born alone and abandoned. And, exactly like Apollo’s mother, Leto, Creusa gave birth alone, abandoned by everyone.

Tragic modulation of the theme of fertility.∽ Parrēsia as imprecation: public denunciation by the weak of the injustice of the powerful.∽Creusa’s second confession (aveu): the voice of confession [(confession).∽ Final episodes: from murder plan to Athena’s appearance.