Dynamics of Laughter: The Costumes of Menippus and Mithrobarzanes in Lucian’s Necyomantia

This article aims to highlight the comic features of the composite attire worn by Menippus and Mithrobarzanes in Lucian’s Necyomantia. First, I discuss the literary tradition that Lucian draws on in order to depict Menippus’ costume, which enables him to pass himself off as Odysseus, Orpheus, and Heracles and enter the underworld while still being alive. Then, I propose that Mithrobarzanes also uses a costume to disguise himself as a Mage, since he is actually a Chaldean from Babylon. A terminological discussion of μάγος and Χαλδαῖος will highlight how Lucian plays with the meaning of these terms to mock Mithrobarzanes.