Chapter 4A. The François Vase

Side A

Side B

Side A: Boar Hunt

Hunt of the Calydonian Boar. Hunters advance from both sides. At this distance the scene may look like an ordinary boar hunt, but a closer look at details shows odd features, and the names confirm that this is a mythical hunt.

Two men attack the boar. They are very well dressed. One wears an animal skin aroound his waist. That shows he is unusual, but it is not a clear identifying attribute. The men are named: they are Peleus and Meleagros (Meleager). A dog has been killed: its name is also given.

Side B: Theseus and Ariadne

The end of the scene showing the landing of Theseus and his companions. Here we see some of the companions dancing, led by a harper, and watched by Ariadne and her nurse.

The beginning of the scene: Theseus returns.

Side A: Funeral Games

Chariot race, with prizes shown under the horses, and inscriptions identifying the figures as Greek who fought at Troy.

Side B: Centaurs and Lapiths

Centaurs fight with Lapiths: inscriptions give their names. The centaurs fight with tree branches and stones; The Lapiths used 'civilized' weapons.

Sides A and B: Procession of the Gods

Form right: chariot, chariot with Zeus and Hera (see detail), other deities, Dionysos with arm raised to hold wine jug. other dieties.

Procession of the gods to the Wedding of Peleus and Thetis. At Left, Dionysos; various female deities; Cheiron (the good centaur of the Iliad) greeting Peleus. Behind Pelus, Thetis is just visible inside the house.

Side A: Achilles' ambush of Troilus

At left, fountain house: in center, deities, led by Hermes (detail at right). He strides forward holding his staff in front of him, and looking back. At left, Achilles (only his leg preserved) bounds in pursuit of the Trojan prince Troilus, riding on a horse. Troilus' sister has dropped her water jar under the horses hooves, and runs ahead. Only her skirt can be seen at the curve of the vase.

Side B: Return of Hephaistos

From left, Aphrodite, Dionysos (only partially preserved), Hephaistos on donkey, silenos or satyr with wine sack, satyr playing double flute, satyr holding female figure. there are more female figures at the rear of the scene. They are labeled as nymphs.

Persons and Events of interest:

  • Achilles

  • Ariadne

  • Centaur

  • Cyclops

  • Dionysos

  • Hera

  • Hephaistos

  • Hermes

  • Kalydonian Boar

  • Lapith

  • Nymph

  • Satyr (Silenos)

  • Thiasos

  • Trojan War

  • Wedding Feast

  • Zeus


Objects and Places:

  • Pottery

  • Mixing bowl (crater)

  • Grave goods


Texts and Authors:

  • Lost Epic