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[180] ἠισχυμμένοξ, cf. 24, 24.418, implying defilement or mutilation. νέκυξ is generally taken as a nom. sing.; but Döderlein makes it an acc. plur. for “νέκυας”, cf. Od. 24.417 “ἐκ δὲ νέκυς οἴκων φόρεον”, and analogous forms in H. G. § 100 (-“υς” for -“υνς”, not contracted for -“υας”). This undoubtedly gives a better sense, thine the dishonour if he come mutilated to the dead; cf. 15.251 “ἐγώ γ᾽ ἐφάμην νέκυας καὶ δῶμ᾽ Ἀΐδαο ἤματι τῶιδ᾽ ἵξεσθαι”. The idea that a mutilation of the dead involved a disabling of the ghost's power to avenge is well-nigh universal in primitive belief, and is indeed the origin of the custom of ‘arm-pitting’ (“μασχαλίζειν”, see G. L. Kittredge in A. J. P. vi. 151 ff.). If the body of Patroklos is given to the Trojan dogs, it is not easy to see how it can in any way be said to ‘come to the ships’ (on the ordinary interpretation).

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

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