Ashley Raymer 998460464 CLA305: Theories of Myth Prof. Jonathan Tracy 4 April, 2013 Sparta as Living Myth George Dumezil published Flamen-Brahman in 1929 which included the first articulation of his tri-functional hypothesis. His work postulates a threefold ideological division within Indo- European myths and societies which pairs the three functions of the sacral, martial and economic with the castes of priest/king, warrior and producer. As seen in Norse, Indian and Greek mythologies, a lasting social order and constitution is achieved when functional conflict is resolved and the third function which encompasses fertility and production is incorporated into the first two functions. The Greek instinct towards categorization and functionality can be seen in myths such as the Trojan War as well as in the philosophical thought of Ionian logographers. No Greek society demonstrates Dumezil’s functional division in such stark reality as did Sparta. The Spartan constitution was a conscious and successful attempt at producing a citizen body wholly concerned with second function martial activities. Spartan society and its slow demise up until and after its crushing defeat at the battle of Leuctra can help illuminate and corroborate Dumezil’s theory. This essay will examine Spartan society under a Dumezilian lense with particular attention paid to the effect of relying on a helot and perioikoi population as the third function component to their the social order. Mythical Sparta passed through three phases of sovereignty. Before mankind held the kingship, the autochthonous Lelex ruled the territory of Laconia. His progeny ruled until the human Laecadamon married Sparta, the daughter of Eurotas who had no son. The line of Laecadamon ruled until Tydareus. Between these descendants of Perseus and the future 1