Walking through History

This chapter explores the idea that myths are a key element in the creation of landscape, whereby mere space is transformed into resonant place through the matrix of time. In spite of the local nature and uses of many mythical narratives, it is argued here that mobility is central to understanding the power and value of the mythical past. Not only do the travels of itinerant heroes link together mythical venues, but later travels, such as those of characters in Herodotus’ Histories or of authors themselves, illustrated by Pausanias, activate the resonances of the landscape and give it a temporal dimension by triggering mythical narratives associated with the places passed through. These narratives in turn evoke additional journeys which contribute to the creation of a spatial network that binds together the Mediterranean world. Thus, myth offers a medium through which past and present are linked across space.