Essays

Fauna, filosofie en fictie: de narratieve functies van dieren in Flavius Philostratus’ Leven van Apollonius van Tyana

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Abstract

This article argues that the various references to animals in Flavius Philostratus' Life of Apollonius of Tyana serve a prominent role in the characterization of the protagonist. Apollonius of Tyana is characterized as a wise, pure and superhuman being, and all three of these traits are fleshed out by mentions of and interactions with animals. Apollonius' wisdom includes zoological knowledge, and a moralized and politicized view of nature enables him to use this knowledge to critize imperial power. Apollonius' purity is evident in his Pythagorean vegetarianism, which opposes all animal harm. Characters' different stances towards vegetarianism are strongly indicative of the relationship they have to Apollonius and philosophy in general. Apollonius' superhuman and possibly divine nature is recognized by swans at his birth, suggesting a special connection to Apollo, and is reinforced by the dogs at his apotheosis.

How to Cite:

Van Nieuwerburgh, M., (2026) “Fauna, filosofie en fictie: de narratieve functies van dieren in Flavius Philostratus’ Leven van Apollonius van Tyana”, Tetradio 34(1), 99-122. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tetradio.100492