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[699] From the mention of a single charioteer in 702 (where, however, Naber suggests “τὼ δ᾽ ἐλατῆρ᾽ .. ἀκαχημένω”) it would seem that a four-horse chariot is meant; the pl. “ὄχεα” being regularly used of a single chariot. For the very rare mention of such a team in H. see on 8.185. The ancient crities, as Porphyrios tells us, regarded the line with suspicion on this ground; but it cannot be omitted. The mention of ἄεθλα in Elis naturally leads us to think of the Olympian games. It is likely enough that the idea was present to the poet's mind; but he could not without anachronism have named games which, according to the best authorities, were only established by Herakles in memory of Iolaos, after the death of Augeias, who is here still alive. The scholia remark, too, that the race is for a tripod (“χρηματίτης”), whereas the chariot race (first established in Ol.25) was for a crown (“στεφανίτης”). Races on special occasions are of course familiar in H.; Nestor himself takes part in funeral games in Elis in 23.630 ff. For the form ἀθλοφόροι see note on 7.453 (“ἵπποι ἀεθλοφόροι” Brandreth).

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

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