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[43] δρύϊνον is perhaps used here in the general sense of ‘wooden.’ δρῦς is etymologically the same word as ‘tree,’ and originally had an equally wide meaning.

46-48. The bar or bolt (ὀχεύς), which was on the inside of the door, was drawn from the outside by means of a thong (ἱμάς) passing through a hole or slit in the door. Cp. 4. 802, where the vision came into the chamber “παρὰ κληῗδος ἱμάντα”. After the door was bolted the thong was fastened to a knob or handle (κορώνη) on the outside. The ‘key’ (κληΐς) was a curved instrument with a handle (ll. 6-7). When the door was opened from without the key was passed through the aperture (which of course fitted it in size and shape), and was so directed or ‘aimed’ (ἄντα τιτυσκομένη) as to thrust back (“ἀνακόπτειν”) the bolts. Before this was done it was necessary to unfasten the thong from the knob.

It does not appear why the thong was so fastened: it could not add much to the security of the door. But it would serve to prevent the door being opened from within. The “κορώνη” was also used as a handle to pull the door to (1. 441 “θύρην ἐπέρυσσε κορών ῃ ἀργυρέῃ”).

On other points, especially the double sense of “κληΐς”, see the note on 1. 441442. Cp. also l. 241 (infra).

Homer's Odyssey. W. Walter Merry. James Riddell. D. B. Monro. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1886-1901.

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