Gigantomachy and the Psychomachia of Prudentius

In the Psychomachia, Prudentius engages with the myth and poetry of the gigantomachy, in particular the work of Claudian, his foremost poetic contemporary and occasional rival. Prudentius’ dialogue with Claudian is one crucial input for understanding how he blends epic poetry and scriptural interpretation into a full-scale personification allegory that depicts a war between good and evil within the cosmos and within individual human beings. In this way, the currency of the gigantomachy in the early fifth century is critical for understanding the contemporary poetic significance of Prudentius’ greatest work.