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[239] The sense of ταλαύρινον and the construction of τό both admit of doubt, and hence several alternative explanations of this line have been offered. The common solution (that of Aristarchos) is that τό is the relative agreeing in sense with “βῶν”, as though “σάκος” had been used instead, just as we have “τό” following “αἰχμή” in 11.238; cf. also 21.167, Od. 12.75. Then “ταλαύρινον” will mean ‘of tough hide,’ from “ταλαός” enduring, and the translation will be which is a sturdy weapon for me to fight with. The title of Ares, “ταλαύρινος πολεμιστής” (5.289, etc.), will then mean the warrior with shield of sturdy hide. This is perhaps possible in itself; but as the adjective recurs only in these phrases, it is hardly possible here to separate “ταλ.” from “πολεμίζειν”. If these two then be joined, we may take “τό” either as an acc., therefore it is in my power, or as a nominative representing the whole of the preceding sentence, that is to me. With the last alternative again we may either take “ταλαύρινος” in the sense given above, that is to me (in my eyes) to fight as a warrior with shield of sturdy hide; or we may derive the adjective directly from root “τ”（“α”）“λα”, and divide it “ταλα-ϝρινο-ς”, ‘shield-bearing ’; ‘that is what I call being a “ταλαύρινος πολεμιστής”, a warrior who can bear the shield.’ Hector in fact claims the title of Ares. This best suits the form of “ταλαύρινος”, cf. “ταλαεργός, ταλαπενθής, φέρασπις” (Aisch.). “ταλαύρινον” is then best taken as an acc. masc., not an adverbial neuter.

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

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