On the meaning of empaízō (and the invincible play of Aphrodite) in the third stasimon of Antigone by Sophocles (vv. 781-800)

Abstract

This paper explores the meaning of the verb XXXX (“to play”) in the serious and deadly context of the tragic scene and, specifically, when gods like Aphrodite and Eros play games. Specifically, we chose the third stasimon of Sophocles’ Antigone (vv. 781-800), whose final verses attribute these divinities the act of playing, which –we hypothesize– allows an interpretation of all their actions in the ode as play. We also think that an adequate consideration of the sphere of action of these divinities enables a reading of the stasimon broad enough to consider it a chessboard that encompasses all the pawns of the tragic conflict.