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[59] πρεσβυτάτην, senior in dignity, not merely eldest, as the second clause of 60 clearly shews; cf. the use of “πρέσβα, πρεσβήϊον” 8.289, sign of honour, etc. So “γέρων”, councillor, is used without respect of age, like seigneur, sir. According to the legend in Hes. Theog. 454Hera was actually older than her brothers, and thus “γενεῆι” here probably means age, though it may equally well be taken to mean parentage.

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

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  • Commentary references from this page (2):
    • Hesiod, Theogony, 454
    • Homer, Iliad, 8.289
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