Dorofeeva, Y THE IMAGE OF HELEN IN OVID’S HEROIDES. Proceedings of Petrozavodsk State University. 2026;48(3):69–75. DOI: 10.15393/uchz.art.2026.1303


VIII International Conference "Russia and Greece: Dialogues of Cultures"

THE IMAGE OF HELEN IN OVID’S HEROIDES

Dorofeeva
Yu. G. 		Saratov State University
Keywords:
Helen of Troy
Ovid
Heroides
epideictic speech
suasoriae
Oenone
Hermione
Paris
Penelope
image of a mother		 Summary: Ovid remains one of the most popular and sought-after ancient authors in our time. The collection of elegies Heroides is the least studied, despite its significant role: it is a transitional work from love elegies (Ars Ama- toria) to mythological poetry (Metamorphoses), which allows us to discuss new poetic principles being developed by the author. The aim of the research is to determine whether Ovid introduced new features into Helen of Troy’s image, formed centuries earlier, or merely followed classical traditions. The study employs comparative, cultural-historical, historical-typological, and mythopoetic research methods. Particular attention is paid to the epistles “Oenone to Paris”, “Hermione to Orestes”, “Paris to Helen”, “Helen to Paris”, and “Penelope to Ulysses”. The conducted analysis of the epistles has led to the conclusion that alongside the classical representation of Helen, formed by the Trojan Cycle and Homeric epic, Ovid provided his heroine with features characteristic of the Augustan era. Helen is presented both as a matron ready to yield to temptations in her husband’s absence, and as a mother indifferent to her child. Ovid was one of the few who addressed Helen’s motherhood, depicting this social role in the epistle of her daughter Hermione.



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