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[98] ἑλικώπιδα, with the masc. “ἑλίκωπες” (“Ἀχαιοί”), has been variously explained: (1) by the ancients black-eyed, but “ἑλικός” in such a sense has no better authority than the glossographers, weakly supported by a quotation from Kallimachos; (2) with round eyes, “ἕλιξ” = curved; but “ἕλιξ” rather means ‘twisted,’ and is not used of a circular curve; (3) rolling the eyes; (4) sparkling-eyed (root “σελ-” of “σέλας”: so Ameis). The choice lies between (3) and (4), of which the former seems preferable. The epithet well expresses a vivacious keen spirit, such as the Greeks were conscious of possessing; while, as applied to a woman, it will imply eagerness and youthful brightness. It is therefore needless to look beyond the familiar sense of “ϝελικ-” for an interpretation. “ἑλικοβλέφαρον Ἀφροδίτην” in Hesiod Th. 16 must imply a loose use of “βλέφαρον” as = “ὄμμα”, cf. “ἐγὼ σκοτώσω βλέφαρα καὶ δεδορκότα,” Soph. Aj. 85 and elsewhere in Trag.

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

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  • Commentary references from this page (2):
    • Hesiod, Theogony, 16
    • Sophocles, Ajax, 85
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