Chaos theory in Nonnus' Dionysiaca

Abstract

Chaos theory, better known as hidden-order or dynamical systems theory, is a new way to think about order that can illuminate fragmentation and nonlinearity in literature and other fields. Nonnus' Dionysiaca is held together by the deeply encoded structures of the spiral, dance, serpent and web, and by the impulse for self-organisation and self-generation, as it explores the relationship between order and disorder.