Sunday, September 23, 2012

Word of the Day.

"Tragedy" means "Goat Song."

Etymology

The word τραγῳδία (tragoidia), from which the word "tragedy" is derived, is a portmanteau of two Greek words: τράγος (tragos) or "goat" and ᾠδή (ode) meaning "song", from ἀείδειν (aeidein), "to sing".[1] This etymology indicates a link with the practices of the ancient Dionysian cults. It is impossible, however, to know with certainty how these fertility rituals became the basis for tragedy and comedy. [2]

1 comment:

marian said...

I wonder if it is related to scape goat. We know the Jews used a "scape goat" for their "sins"....and/or the parts of themselves they did nto accept..

 
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