Castaways in search of safe haven: the episodes of Lichas and of Croton in the Satyricon of Petronius

Abstract

Desirous of escaping the oppressive environment of the Graeca urbs, which dominates the initial part of Petronius’ Satyricon, the young Encolpius and Geiton decide to accept Eumolpus’ invitation to embark on a ship that was about to sail, but it was only on board that they understood that the ship belonged to Lichas, the person from whom they were fleeing. In this way, the microcosm of ties and relationships organized around this character and his power on the high sea, turns Lichas’ boat into an autocratic universe with its own rules and internal logic. However, it will be reversed by an experience of shipwreck, which will cause death to the powerful Licas and open — to the old poet Eumolpus and especially to the young adventurers who accompany him — a new way of salvation, under the fictitious existence that they will recreate in the city of Croton. The aim of this study is to analyze how the near-death experience of the shipwreck will inspire a reconfiguration of the nature of the anti-heroes, which is as well an opportunity for personal redemption and reinvention, but which will eventually precipitate a new catastrophe and maybe again the search for a saving outlet.