The Myth of the Augean stables In Krytyka, No. 4 (114), 2007, pp. 8-12.

In his article, Oleksandr Hrytsenko explores the causes and consequences of the long-standing persistence of the myth of the Augean Stables in society. He begins with an analysis of the original text, identifying its central motifs. The main theme, he argues, is the heroic act of radically swift or radically effective purification. Importantly, the performance of this feat is assigned to a hero–outsider who, through this act, confronts a corrupt or negligent authority. This theme functions as a popular political metaphor, which does not require ordinary citizens to “take on the role of Hercules” and thus relieves them of any sense of personal responsibility for improving the state of affairs in the country. Hrytsenko illustrates how contemporary political figures exploit this “folk dream” of cleansing to construct an appealing public image embodying the role of an external, efficient force capable of bringing about positive change.