ΣΤΑΣΙΜΟΝ
The stasimon, in ancient Greek tragedy, refers to the choral ode performed by the chorus while standing still in the orchestra, marking a pause in the dramatic action and offering commentary or reflection. Its lexarithmos (871) suggests a connection to the concept of stability and completion.
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In ancient Greek dramaturgy, the stasimon (neuter noun) constitutes one of the fundamental parts of tragedy, as described by Aristotle in his "Poetics." It is a choral ode sung by the chorus after its entrance into the orchestra (following the parodos) and before the exodus, without any intervening episodic scenes. Its name derives from the fact that the chorus performed it "en stasei," i.e., standing still, in contrast to the parodos where they entered dancing.
The stasimon served multiple roles in the development of the drama. It functioned as an interlude from the intensity of the stage action, allowing the audience to assimilate the events and prepare for what was to come. Concurrently, through the stasimon, the chorus expressed the moral, religious, or philosophical views of the community, commenting on the unfolding events, prophesying, or recalling myths.
The significance of the stasimon is inextricably linked to the root of the verb ἵστημι, meaning "to stand, to place, to establish." The word denotes a state of immobility, stability, and cessation, concepts central both to the performance of the ode and to its broader function as a point of reference within the kinetic flow of the drama.
Etymology
From this root, a rich family of words is generated, describing the act of standing, the state of immobility, placement, establishment, as well as various forms of stance, both physical and metaphorical (e.g., body posture, a stance in a dispute).
Main Meanings
- Choral Ode in Ancient Tragedy — The part of a tragedy sung by the chorus while standing still in the orchestra, following the parodos and preceding the exodus.
- Immobility, Cessation — The state of standing still or the stopping of movement.
- Fixed Position, Establishment — A defined or permanent place, an establishment.
- Stagnation, Inactivity — The lack of movement or progress.
- Interruption, Pause — A point of cessation or break in a process or sequence.
- Medical Stasis — The obstruction of the normal flow of fluids in the body, e.g., blood stasis.
Word Family
sta-/ste- (root of the verb ἵστημι, meaning 'to stand, to place')
The root sta-/ste- is one of the fundamental roots of the Ancient Greek language, from which a wide range of words related to the concept of standing, placing, immobility, stability, and establishment are derived. From the simple physical act of standing upright to the more abstract notions of position, stance, and foundation, this root forms words that describe both state and action. The variety of its derivatives highlights its central importance in expressing existence and structure.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of the stasimon is inextricably linked to the evolution of ancient Greek tragedy and its theoretical analysis.
In Ancient Texts
Aristotle, in his "Poetics," provides the clearest definition of the stasimon as a structural element of tragedy.
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΣΤΑΣΙΜΟΝ is 871, from the sum of its letter values:
871 decomposes into 800 (hundreds) + 70 (tens) + 1 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΣΤΑΣΙΜΟΝ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 871 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 7 | 8+7+1=16 → 1+6=7 — The Heptad, the number of perfection, completion, and pause, symbolizing the chorus's defined position. |
| Letter Count | 8 | 8 letters — The Octad, the number of balance and stability, reflecting the chorus's immobile stance. |
| Cumulative | 1/70/800 | Units 1 · Tens 70 · Hundreds 800 |
| Odd/Even | Odd | Masculine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | Σ-Τ-Α-Σ-Ι-Μ-Ο-Ν | Stability of Art, Ancient Wisdom, Balance, Music, Completion, Intellect. |
| Grammatical Groups | 4V · 5C | 4 vowels (Α, Ι, Ο, Ο) and 5 consonants (Σ, Τ, Σ, Μ, Ν). |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Sun ☉ / Scorpio ♏ | 871 mod 7 = 3 · 871 mod 12 = 7 |
Isopsephic Words (871)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (871) but different roots, offering a glimpse into the numerical complexity of the Greek language.
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 114 words with lexarithmos 871. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, with a revised supplement. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1996.
- Aristotle — Poetics. Translated by S. H. Butcher. Dover Publications, New York, 1951.
- Lesky, Albin — A History of Greek Literature. Translated by James Willis and Cornelis de Heer. Hackett Publishing Company, Indianapolis, 1996.
- Taplin, Oliver — Greek Tragedy in Action. Routledge, London, 1978.