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[440] τρητοῖσι λέχεσσι. This epithet is applied to the bedstead, not to the bedding (“εὐνή”). The framework was ‘morticed’ together, the supports fitting into holes in the horizontal pieces. The epithet is used with the plural “λέχεα”, because it refers to the construction of the bedstead from many pieces. Cp. Od.23. 195

“καί τοτ᾽ ἔπειτ᾽ ἀπέκοψα κόμην τανυφύλλου ἐλαίης”.

“κορμὸν δ᾽ ἐκ ῥίζης προταμὼν ἀμφέξεσα χαλκῷ”

“εὖ καὶ ἐπισταμένως, καὶ ἐπὶ στάθμην ἴθυνα”,

“ἑρμῖν᾽ ἀσκήσας, τέτρηνα δὲ πάντα τερτέρῳ”.

“ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ἀρχόμενος λέχος ἔξεον, ὄφρ᾽ ἐτέλεσσα”,

“ἐν δ᾽ ἐτάνυσσ᾽ ἱμάντα βοὸς φοίνικι φαεινόν”.

The last line here given might seem to favour the interpretation given by some commentators, that the word “τρητός” refers to the holes in the horizontal pieces of the bedstead, used for passing cords or straps through, on which to support the bedding. But the explanation given above seems settled by a passage in Plato (Politic. 279 E) “τῶν συνθετῶν τὰ μὲν τρητά, τὰ δὲ ἄνευ τρήσεως συνδετά”.

Homer's Odyssey. W. Walter Merry. James Riddell. D. B. Monro. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1886-1901.

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