Gemenskap i mytens spegel: prinsessan Europa och hennes bror Kadmos i eftervärldens ögon

The article surveys the Medieval and Early Modern reception of two ancient Greek myths: the stories about the Phoenician princess Europe and her brother Kadmos. During the 12th - 17th century the interpretation of pagan myths flourished in Europe, justified by allegorical exegesis. The myths of Europe and Kadmos were viewed as disguised teachings containing historical, moral or religious truth. For learned Europeans the ancient myths and their interpretations formed a common frame of reference. Today, the classical studies have lost their crucial role in European culture, but the question of common European symbols has been raised again