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[725] Odysseus is raised by Aias off the ground, but ‘with his wonted craft’ kicks him behind the knee while in the air. After allowing himself to be lifted the combatant it may be presumed could take any means to throw his adversary. κώληψ is a word of which the ancients did not know meaning or gender; but the ordinary explanation, ‘the hollow behind the knee,’ gives a good sense. Cf. “κωλῆ, κωλήν” = thigh. δόλου is frequently taken to mean a trick on the part of Aias. But there is no trace of anything of the sort, and it gives the sense required if understood of Odysseus' cunning.

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

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