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[449] The mention of the ‘wraith’ is not like Homer, nor does it appear on other occasions when a hero is snatched away by a god. It plays no further part in the action, nor does there seem to be the least surprise shewn at the reappearance of the original Aineias in the field, l. 514. Apparently some rhapsodist thought it necessary to explain why the disappearance of Aineias did not stop the fight, and therefore added 449-53, the two latter lines from M 425-6. Compare the story of Stesichoros and the wraith of Helen, which may have suggested the idea here.

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

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