| A commentary on the Song of Daskaloyiannis by Pantzelios in Laourdas’ edition (1947). Continuing Milman Parry’s theories on epic poetry, the author disagrees with J. A. Notopoulos’ argument that the Song is an example of oral poetry. This extensive song came to us through the manuscript tradition, as opposed to the shorter versions of the poem which were passed down from person to person in the Sfakia area. The events described in the longer poem are compared to those of the late 19th-century versions, in which many differences are noted, some derived from the Akritic ballads. At the same time the character of Daskaloyiannis himself changes considerably, becoming far more heroic in the longer poem. |