Pastori antichi e moderni

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E. Lelli has developed a research method that combines philology with a comparative approach rooted in demoethnoanthropological disciplines. This 'demophilologic' method is applied to the idyls of Theocritus, an author known for his rich portrayal of popular culture, including beliefs, superstitions, proverbs, and traditional songs. The central premise is that Theocritus serves as a genuine witness to the agropastoral world rather than merely an erudite imitator, transforming popular rural traditions into a more literary form. As the analysis of his bucolic idyls unfolds, it becomes evident that many terms, gestures, and references are fully comprehensible only through folkloric comparisons with modern agropastoral traditions. Furthermore, the presence of folkloric elements can serve as a barometer for reconstructing Theocritus's chronology, aligning with the scant but valuable biographical information from ancient sources and internal references within his corpus. This approach not only enriches the understanding of Theocritus’s work but also highlights the enduring influence of folk traditions in literature.