Euripides, Ion 444-451: δίκη βιαίων und προμηθία

Abstract

Against a widespread interpretation, I argue that in vv. 444-447 Euripides is not alluding to an Attic lawsuit called δίκη βιαίων, and that in v. 448 προμηθία does not mean something like “foresight” or “care”, but rather is used synonymously with αἰδώς. Consequently, I reject the thesis that in Ion’s monologue (vv. 429-251) almost all emphasis is on Apollo’s supposed negligence of Kreusa and the begotten child, and none on the rape.