Vagrancy, Archery, and Savagery: Lucian's use of Scythians as a rhetorical tool

Abstract

The article argues that Lucian's references to Scythians is based on well-established literary patterns and are intended to create various rhetorical effect. First, the article examines how Lucian's depiction of Scythians in passing remarks consists of a few elements: vagrancy, archery, and savagery. These elements may obtain positive or negative value according to the text's theme. Second, the article claims the three dialogues Anakharsis, The Scythian, and Toxaris, where the Scythian motive constitutes the narrative frame, must be regarded as continuations of the passing references, and shows how the motive is used differently in the three texts according to a specific agenda.