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[130] προθελύμνωι, acc. to the scholia = “ἀλλεπαλλήλωι”, row upon row. This explanation is most easily reconciled with the use of the word in 9.541, but it is not entirely satisfactory, as we should certainly expect “σάκεσι” for “σάκεϊ”. In 10.15 the word clearly seems = “πρόρριζος”, so that no explanation suits all three passages, and we may look for another here. One alternative is to take it (with Reichel H. W. p. 39) as a general description of the shield, with layer (of hide) over layer (“πολυπτύχωι” Schol. Harl. a). This suits the use of “τετραθέλυμνος” in 15.479; but the context seems to call for a special rather than a general epithet. Such may be found in the sense with base set forward, which describes the characteristic attitude of the Mykenaian warrior crouched under his long shield resting on the ground in front of him. The close formation here indicated is rare in H., but is found again in 12.105, 16.214 ff., whence 131-33 seem to be borrowed in order to bridge the gap between the opening of the “Διὸς ἀπάτη” and the Aristeia of Idomeneus.

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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