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[37] Cf. 13.812 “Διὸς μάστιγι κακῆι ἐδάμημεν Ἀχαιοί”. The metaphor expresses the sway which Zeus wields over the battle, driving the armies backward and forward as a horse is driven by a goad (see on 23.387) — an idea which is more usually given by the metaphor of pulling with a rope. So Aisch. Sept. 608 “πληγεὶς θεοῦ μάστιγι” (see Verrall's note), Aisch. Ag. 642, etc. “διπλῆι μάστιγι τὴν Ἄρης φιλεῖ”.

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

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hide References (3 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (3):
    • Aeschylus, Agamemnon, 642
    • Aeschylus, Seven Against Thebes, 608
    • Homer, Iliad, 13.812
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