Edipo 'monopede'? Un'ipotesi etimologica e un motivo solare indoeuropeo

The paper builds upon the etymology of the proper name Οἰδίπους put forward by A. Prosdocimi, whereby the hero's name would mean 'one-footed', rather than, as generally assumed, 'swollen foot'. The hypothesis is firstly discussed from a linguistic point of view. Then further evidence, drawn from the fields of cultural reconstruction and comparative mythology, is provided. It is shown that according to the Indo-European taxonomy concerning living beings, which is indipendently and widely attested in the Vedic hymns, the Sun is conceived as being one-footed. Crucially, Oedipus, whose feet, according to the saga, were pierced together during his childwood, as if they were one, is often represented as a solar hero in many ancient sources. This would speak in favour of Prosdocimi's proposal. The dichotomy between the traditional, well-established etymology and Prosdocimi's one also raises some methodological issues, which are eventually addressed.