Читать книгу The Herodotus Encyclopedia - Группа авторов - Страница 685

CHRISTOPHER BARON

University of Notre Dame

One of three brothers (the middle) whom the SCYTHIANS claim as forefathers (4.5–6). LIPOXAÏS and Arpoxaïs were prevented by flames from touching a group of golden objects which had fallen from the sky; when the FIRE abated at the approach of the youngest brother, COLAXAÏS, they acknowledged him as sole king. From Arpoxaïs are descended the Scythian tribes CATIARI and TRASPIES. Herodotus reports this foundation story (followed by two other versions) at the beginning of his Scythian ETHNOGRAPHY. The second element in the brothers’ names may stem from the Iranian form xšay‐, “to rule.” The story has parallels elsewhere in Iranian traditions; its tripartite nature recurs throughout Indo‐European mythology.

SEE ALSO: Myth; Targitaus