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[370] ἀστερόεντα, probably ‘adorned with star-like ornaments,’ see on 16.134. Such a method of decoration seems to have been employed in the great tomb at Mykene called the ‘Treasure-house of Atreus.’ χάλκεον perhaps alludes to the practice of coating the walls with polished metal (see Helbig H. E. p. 100, Od. 7.86, Od. 4.73); though it may only be an instance of the common Homeric custom of representing divine objects as of metal instead of meaner human materials; as the island of Aiolos is surrounded by a “τεῖχος χάλκεον” (Od. 10.3), so the house of Hephaistos is built of solid bronze instead of mere stone.

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

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hide References (3 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (3):
    • Homer, Odyssey, 10.3
    • Homer, Odyssey, 4.73
    • Homer, Odyssey, 7.86
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