[48] στρωφᾶτ̓=Il. 13.557. The form is probably late; see Leaf on Il. 15.666.
αἰθομένας . . ἔχουσα=Od. 7.101 (“ἔχοντες”). For the significance of the torches, which play so large a part in the myth and ritual of Demeter, see Introd. p. 10, Lenormant ii. p. 124 f. On the whole subject of fire-festivals see Frazer G. B. iii. p. 238-326, who thinks that the use of torches in such cases “appears to be simply a means of diffusing far and wide the genial influence of the bonfire or of the sunshine which it represents” (p. 313). He quotes many examples (p. 255, 313 f.) to shew that the avowed intention of torch-lighting is often to fertilise the fields, or to prevent blight, etc. 49-50. Compare the mourning of Demeter in Callim. h. Dem. 17 “αὐσταλέα ἄποτός τε καὶ οὐ φάγες οὐδ᾽ ἐλοέσσω”. This, however, may be independent of the hymn.This text is part of:
The Homeric Hymns, edited, with preface, apparatus criticus, notes, and appendices. Thomas W. Allen. E. E. Sikes. London. Macmillan. 1904.
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