What is the fundamental definition of a panegyric?

A panegyric is defined as a formal public speech or written verse that is delivered in high praise of a person or a thing. It serves as an expression of admiration and commendation.

Where did the practice of delivering panegyrics originate in ancient times?

The practice of delivering panegyrics originated in ancient Athens, where they were given as speeches at public events. These speeches were intended to honor individuals or commemorate significant achievements.

What are the etymological roots of the word 'panegyric'?

The word 'panegyric' originates from Ancient Greek, formed by combining 'pan-' meaning 'all' with 'ágyris,' an Aeolic dialect word for 'assembly.' This combination originally referred to a general or national assembly, particularly one held for a festival honoring a deity.

How did the meaning of the Greek term panegyris evolve over time?

Initially, panegyris referred to a general or national assembly, especially one convened for a festival. In Hellenistic Greek, the noun evolved to mean a 'festal oration' or 'laudatory speech,' and the adjective panegyrikos came to mean 'of or relating to a eulogy' or 'flattering.'

When and how did the term 'panegyric' enter the Latin language?

The Greek term panegyris was borrowed into Classical Latin around the second century CE as panegyris, meaning 'festival' and, in later usage, 'general assembly.' The related Latin adjective panegyricus meant 'laudatory' and also functioned as a noun for 'public eulogy.'

From which language is the English word 'panegyric' believed to have been borrowed, and what influences shaped its adoption?

The English noun and adjective 'panegyric' appear to have been borrowed from the French word panégyrique, which has been attested since 1512. This borrowing was undoubtedly influenced by the word's Latin and Greek origins.

What was the primary objective of panegyrics delivered in Classical Athens at festivals or games?

In Classical Athens, panegyrics delivered at national festivals or games aimed to inspire citizens to emulate the glorious deeds of their ancestors. They served as a form of civic and historical exhortation.

Can you name some prominent Athenian orators and their works associated with the panegyric form?

Notable Athenian orators associated with panegyrics include Gorgias, whose works included the Olympiacus; Lysias, also known for an Olympiacus; and Isocrates, who wrote the Panegyricus and Panathenaicus, although these were not actually delivered.

How did funeral orations, such as Pericles' famous speech recorded by Thucydides, relate to the concept of panegyrics?

Funeral orations, like the one delivered by Pericles and recorded by Thucydides, shared characteristics with panegyrics. They were speeches that offered praise and commemoration, often highlighting the virtues and achievements of the deceased, thus partaking in the nature of a panegyric.

How did the practice of panegyrics in the Roman Empire generally differ from that in Classical Greece, particularly concerning the subjects of praise?

In the Roman Empire, panegyrics were generally reserved for the living, with funeral orations being the customary form of praise for the deceased. This contrasts with the broader use in Classical Greece, which included commemorative speeches for the departed.

Who delivered a significant Latin panegyric around AD 100, and what was the occasion?

The younger Pliny delivered a celebrated Latin panegyric around AD 100. This speech was given in the Roman Senate upon his assumption of the consulship and included praise for Emperor Trajan.

What was the nature of Pliny the Younger's panegyric for Trajan, according to historical assessment?

Pliny the Younger's panegyric for Trajan, delivered in AD 100, contained a eulogy of the emperor. Some scholars have considered the praise within this speech to be excessively flattering or fulsome.

How did Diocletian's influence on the Imperial court affect the practice of panegyrics in the late Roman Empire?

Following Diocletian's reforms which orientalized the Imperial court towards the end of the 3rd and during the 4th century, it became customary to regularly celebrate the reigning emperor's virtues and achievements. These celebrations were often formally staged literary events.

What was distinctive about Eusebius of Caesarea's panegyric delivered in 336 AD?

Eusebius of Caesarea's panegyric of Constantine the Great, delivered in 336 AD for the emperor's 30th year of reign, broke from tradition. Instead of focusing on secular achievements, Eusebius chose to celebrate the emperor's piety.

How did the poet Claudian utilize the panegyric form in his career?

Claudian, who arrived in Rome from Alexandria before approximately 395 AD, used the panegyric form to establish his initial reputation. He later became the court poet for Stilicho, a prominent figure in the late Roman Empire.

What literary work by Cassiodorus contained a collection of panegyrics?

Cassiodorus, who served as magister officiorum for Theodoric the Great, left behind a book of panegyrics titled Laudes.

What was the nature of the praise expected in a panegyric, according to James O'Donnell's description of Cassiodorus's work?

According to James O'Donnell, who studied Cassiodorus, the praise in a panegyric was expected to be excessive. The intellectual challenge and criterion for judging such a speech lay in how much high praise could be delivered while still appearing to be the 'grudging testimony of simple honesty,' thus remaining within boundaries of decorum.

What was the basilikos logos in the Byzantine Empire?

In the Byzantine Empire, the basilikos logos was a formal panegyric specifically delivered for an emperor on an important occasion. It was a ceremonial speech of praise.

What significant role did panegyric poems play in Arabic literature?

Panegyric poems were a major literary form among Arabs. These poems were used to praise rulers and celebrate their achievements, often in the context of military campaigns or political events.

Who was Al-Mutanabbi, and what subject matter did his panegyric poems often address?

Al-Mutanabbi was a renowned poet who wrote in the Arabic language. His panegyric poems frequently focused on the military campaigns of figures like Sayf al-Dawla, including his celebrated campaign against the Byzantine Empire.

What kind of details can be gleaned from Persian language panegyric poems of the Middle Ages?

Persian language panegyric poems from the Middle Ages provide valuable details about the lives of court poets and their patrons. They also shed light on contemporary attitudes and matters of political and military interest.

Can you provide an example of a Persian panegyric poem detailing a specific military incursion?

Farrukhi Sistani composed a qasida (a form of Arabic and Persian poetry) that detailed the Ghaznavid ruler Mahmud of Ghazni's incursion against the Somnath temple. This poem offers insight into historical events.

For which festivals were Persian panegyric poems sometimes composed?

Persian panegyric poems were sometimes composed for important festivals such as Eid al-Fitr, Nowruz, and Mihragan. These occasions provided opportunities to praise patrons and rulers.

How were patrons sometimes depicted in Persian panegyric poems concerning conflicts?

In some Persian panegyric poems, the patron was depicted as a hero engaged in a battle between Islam and infidels. This framing served to glorify the patron's actions within a religious or ideological context.

What comparison is drawn between the claims of Persian poets like Firdausi and Roman poets like Horace regarding the endurance of their work?

Both Firdausi, in a panegyric to Mahmud of Ghazna, and Horace, in an address to Emperor Augustus, made grandiose claims about the lasting nature of their poetry. Firdausi stated his poetry palace would not be damaged by wind or rain, while Horace claimed his work was more lasting than bronze and grander than pyramids, suggesting a belief in the immortality of art.

What are some examples of panegyric customs found in African oral traditions?

African oral traditions include panegyric customs such as the use of praise names and praise poetry. These traditions are integral to the cultural practices of many ethnic groups across the continent.

What are the typical functions of praise names and praise poetry in African ethnic groups?

In many African ethnic groups, praise names and praise poetry serve important mnemonic and genealogical functions. They are often tied to tribal spirituality and help preserve history and lineage.

What specific examples of praise poetry traditions are mentioned in Africa?

Examples of praise poetry traditions mentioned in the text include Oriki among the Yoruba people, Isibongo among the Zulu people, and Iziduko among the Xhosa people.

When did the custom of panegyrics addressed to monarchs experience a revival?

The custom of panegyrics addressed to monarchs was revived during the Baroque period. This marked a resurgence of the practice after its prominence in earlier eras.

What are some notable Renaissance examples of panegyrics?

Notable Renaissance examples of panegyrics include Leonardo Bruni's Laudatio florentinae urbis, written in 1403 to honor Florence, and Erasmus's Panegyricus, first published in 1504.

What significant event led to the publication of several panegyrics by English poets in 1660?

In 1660, several panegyrics were published by English poets in honor of the restoration of Charles II of England to the throne. This reflected a period of political transition and celebration.

Who wrote the 'Panegyric for the Duke of Lerma,' and in what year was it composed?

The Spanish poet Luis de Góngora wrote the 'Panegyric for the Duke of Lerma' in 1617. This work is an example of panegyric poetry from the Spanish Golden Age.

Which Russian poets adopted the panegyric form, and for whom did they typically write?

Russian poets of the eighteenth century, most notably Mikhail Lomonosov, adopted the panegyric form. They used it to celebrate the achievements of Russian emperors and empresses.

What is the significance of the image caption provided in the article?

The image caption describes the title page of the Panegyric of Leonardo Loredan, a work from 1503 created in honor of Leonardo Loredan, who was the 75th Doge of Venice. It also notes that this work is currently housed in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.

What was the intellectual challenge or criterion for judging a panegyric, as suggested by the description of Cassiodorus's work?

The intellectual challenge in judging a panegyric, particularly in the context of Cassiodorus's work, was to determine how excessive the praise could be made while still appearing to be the 'grudging testimony of simple honesty.' This meant balancing extreme flattery with a veneer of sincerity and restraint.

How did the meaning of the Greek adjective 'panegyrikos' evolve?

In Hellenistic Greek, the adjective panegyrikos evolved to mean 'of or relating to a eulogy' and also 'flattering.' This indicates a shift towards describing the nature of the speech itself.

What was the specific date of Pliny the Younger's panegyric for Trajan?

Pliny the Younger delivered his panegyric for Trajan in AD 100.

In what year did Eusebius of Caesarea deliver his panegyric for Constantine the Great?

Eusebius of Caesarea delivered his panegyric for Constantine the Great in the year 336 AD.

Approximately when did the poet Claudian arrive in Rome?

The poet Claudian arrived in Rome from Alexandria before approximately 395 AD.

What specific year is mentioned in relation to Ahmad Sanjar's attacks in the context of Persian panegyric poetry?

The year 1117 is mentioned in relation to Ahmad Sanjar's attacks against the Ghaznavid ruler Arslan-Shah, as advocated in some Persian poems.

What was the specific year of composition for Luis de Góngora's 'Panegyric for the Duke of Lerma'?

Luis de Góngora composed his 'Panegyric for the Duke of Lerma' in the year 1617.

When was Erasmus's Panegyricus first published?

Erasmus's Panegyricus was first published in 1504.

What year is associated with Leonardo Bruni's Laudatio florentinae urbis?

Leonardo Bruni's Laudatio florentinae urbis was written in 1403.

What specific historical context is provided for the Panegyrici Latini?

The Panegyrici Latini are associated with the period from 100 to 400 AD, indicating a collection of Latin panegyrics from the late Roman Empire.

Panegyric Wiki: The Art of Exalted Praise: A Scholarly Exploration of Panegyric

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Definition

Formal Public Commendation

Fundamentally, a panegyric represents a formal public discourse, whether delivered as a speech or composed in verse, dedicated to the high praise of an individual or an entity. Its primary function is to extol virtues, achievements, and significance in a manner befitting a public occasion.

Historical Context

The practice originated in ancient Athens, where such speeches were delivered at significant public gatherings, including festivals and games. The objective was often to inspire the citizenry by recounting and celebrating the glorious deeds of their ancestors, fostering a sense of shared heritage and civic pride.

Etymology

Ancient Greek Roots

The term "panegyric" derives from the Ancient Greek word panēgyris (πανήγυρις). This compound word is formed from pan- (παν-), meaning 'all', and agyris (ἄγυρις), an Aeolic dialect form for 'assembly' (cognate with Attic/Ionic agorá, ἀγορά). Initially, panēgyris denoted a general or national assembly, particularly one held during a festival in honor of a deity.

Linguistic Evolution

Over time, particularly in Hellenistic Greek, panēgyris evolved to signify a 'festal oration' or 'laudatory speech'. The adjective panēgyrikós (πανηγυρικός) came to mean 'of or relating to a eulogy' or 'flattering'. These terms were adopted into Classical Latin as panēgyris (festival, assembly) and panēgyricus (laudatory), which subsequently influenced the formation of similar words in European languages, including the English "panegyric" via French.

Classical Greece

Civic Inspiration

In Athenian society, panegyrics served a crucial civic function. Delivered during national festivals or athletic games, these speeches aimed to galvanize citizens by highlighting the valor and achievements of their forebears. Notable examples include orations attributed to figures like Gorgias, Lysias, and Isocrates, who employed the form to inspire emulation and reinforce collective identity.

Funeral Orations

While distinct from panegyrics for the living, funeral orations also shared characteristics of praise and commemoration. Thucydides' account of Pericles' famous funeral oration, delivered in honor of the Athenian soldiers who died in the Peloponnesian War, exemplifies this tradition, blending remembrance with a powerful articulation of Athenian values and achievements.

Roman Empire

Praising the Living

Roman tradition generally reserved formal praise for the living, with eulogies typically reserved for the deceased. However, the younger Pliny's oration delivered in the Senate upon assuming the consulship in AD 100 stands as a prominent Latin panegyric. This address included a eulogy for Emperor Trajan, which, while celebrated, was considered excessively flattering by some contemporaries.

Imperial Court Ritual

By the late 3rd and 4th centuries AD, influenced by the increasing ceremonialism of the imperial court, panegyrics became a standard feature for celebrating the perceived superhuman virtues and accomplishments of reigning emperors. Eusebius of Caesarea's panegyric for Constantine the Great, delivered in AD 336, notably shifted focus from secular achievements to the emperor's piety.

The delivery of a well-crafted panegyric was often a strategic move for ambitious young men seeking to attract favorable attention within the competitive Roman elite. The poet Claudian, for instance, rose to prominence in Rome around AD 395 following the success of his panegyrics, eventually becoming the court poet for Stilicho.

Later figures like Cassiodorus, serving as magister officiorum to Theodoric the Great, compiled collections of panegyrics, such as the Laudes. As scholar James O'Donnell notes, the intellectual challenge and criterion for judging such works lay in achieving excessive praise while maintaining decorum and the appearance of honest testimony.

In the Byzantine Empire, the basilikos logos served as the formal panegyric for an emperor, typically presented on significant occasions.

Arabic Tradition

Poetic Excellence

Panegyric poetry constituted a major literary form within Arabic culture. Renowned poets like Al-Mutanabbi utilized this genre to celebrate the military campaigns and achievements of their patrons, such as his famous qasida in honor of Sayf al-Dawla's campaigns against the Byzantine Empire.

Persian Tradition

Courtly Patronage and History

Medieval Persian panegyric poems offer invaluable insights into the lives of court poets and their patrons, shedding light on contemporary political, military, and social attitudes. For example, Farrukhi Sistani's qasida detailed the Ghaznavid ruler Mahmud of Ghazni's campaign against the Somnath temple. These poems were often composed for significant festivals like Eid al-Fitr, Nowruz, and Mihragan.

Some poems depicted patrons as heroic figures in conflicts between Islam and non-believers. Works by Farrukhi and Mu'izzi, for instance, advocated for Mahmud's conquest of Rayy and Ahmad Sanjar's actions against the Ghaznavid ruler Arslan-Shah, providing crucial historical data for the Great Seljuk period, for which other records are scarce.

The poets often made grand claims about the enduring nature of their work. Firdausi, in a panegyric to Mahmud of Ghazna, stated his "palace of poetry" would withstand the elements, echoing the Roman poet Horace's assertion to Emperor Augustus that his poetry surpassed bronze and pyramids in permanence.

African Traditions

Oral Heritage

Across numerous African ethnic groups, oral traditions incorporate panegyric customs, notably through praise names and praise poetry. These practices often serve vital mnemonic and genealogical functions, deeply intertwined with tribal spirituality and cultural memory.

Prominent examples include:

The Oriki among the Yoruba people.
The Isibongo among the Zulu people.
The Iziduko among the Xhosa people.

These traditions highlight the enduring significance of oral commendation in preserving history and identity.

Modern Revival

Renaissance and Baroque Eras

The practice of panegyric saw a revival during the Baroque period, though notable Renaissance examples exist, such as Leonardo Bruni's Laudatio Florentinae Urbis for Florence (1403) and Erasmus's Panegyricus (1504). This resurgence demonstrated a continued appreciation for formal praise as a literary and rhetorical form.

Royal and Imperial Commemoration

In 1660, English poets published several panegyrics celebrating the restoration of Charles II. The Spanish poet Luis de Góngora penned a significant "Panegyric for the Duke of Lerma" in 1617. Later, in 18th-century Russia, poets like Mikhail Lomonosov adopted the panegyric form to honor the achievements of emperors and empresses, continuing the tradition of state-sponsored praise.

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References

"pan-, comb. form", "panegyris, n.", "panegyric, n. and adj.", OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2017. Web. 19 March 2017.

Johnson, Samuel (1921), The History of the Yorubas from the earliest times to the beginning of the British protectorate, p. 85

Turner, Noleen (1994). "A brief overview of Zulu oral traditions" (PDF). Alternation. 1 (1): 58â67. Retrieved 19 February 2022.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Panegyric Wikipedia page

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Academic Integrity and Data Limitations

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for advanced academic and educational purposes, targeting students at the Master's degree level and higher.

Content Accuracy and Scope: While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the provided source material, the information reflects a specific point in time and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments. The AI has adhered strictly to the provided source of truth, refining and polishing the language to meet academic standards without introducing external data.

Not Professional Advice: This content does not constitute professional advice in any field, including rhetoric, history, literature, or cultural studies. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources, scholarly literature, and expert opinions for in-depth study and application.

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The Art of Exalted Praise

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Definition 🗣️

📜 Formal Public Commendation

🏛️ Historical Context

Etymology 🔠

🇬🇷 Ancient Greek Roots

🌍 Linguistic Evolution

Classical Greece 🏛️

🗣️ Civic Inspiration

⚰️ Funeral Orations

Roman Empire 👑

📜 Praising the Living

✨ Imperial Court Ritual

Arabic Tradition 🌙

✍️ Poetic Excellence

Persian Tradition 🌸

📜 Courtly Patronage and History

African Traditions 🌍

🗣️ Oral Heritage

Modern Revival ⏳

🎨 Renaissance and Baroque Eras

👑 Royal and Imperial Commemoration

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic Integrity and Data Limitations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Definition

Formal Public Commendation

Historical Context

Etymology

Ancient Greek Roots

Linguistic Evolution

Classical Greece

Civic Inspiration

Funeral Orations

Roman Empire

Praising the Living

Imperial Court Ritual

Arabic Tradition

Poetic Excellence

Persian Tradition

Courtly Patronage and History

African Traditions

Oral Heritage

Modern Revival

Renaissance and Baroque Eras

Royal and Imperial Commemoration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic Integrity and Data Limitations