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[385] For the legend of Otos and Ephialtes, the youthful giants who piled Pelion upon Ossa, see Od. 11.308 sqq. The traditional explanation makes them a personification of the triumph of agricultural pursuits (“Ἀλωεύς” from “ἀλωή”) over warlike passions. “τοὺς Ἀλωείδας φασὶ καταπαῦσαι τὸν πόλεμον καὶ τὰς ἐς αὐτὸν παρασκευάς, καὶ ἐν εἰρήνηι ποιῆσαι βιοτεύειν τοὺς ἀνθρώπους”, Schol. D on Od. 11.308. Mr. Frazer (C. R. ii. 222) suggests that the idea of imprisoning the wargod was rather to make sure of his presence when needed. However that may be, the legend — which is at home in various parts of Greece, particularly in Boiotia and Naxos — seems to be founded on a vegetation-myth. See Preller G. M. ^{4} i. 103-5. The thirteen months are of course a lunar year. As to why Ares was imprisoned mythographers differ.

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

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