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[543] ἑτέρωσε, as 8.306, 308, to one side. ἐάφθη (so most MSS.: Ar. wrote “ἑάφθη”, and is followed by ACT', a doubtful and much disputed word which recurs only in the similar passage 14.419. It may be referred to “ἰάπτω” (“προ-ΐαψεν,” 1.3, etc.) if that is, as seems probable, “ϝι-ϝάπ-τω”, conn. with Skt. vap-Ami, throw about, rather than with Lat. iac-io: H. G. § 46 note. It will then mean his shield was hurled upon him. The fall of the ponderous Mykenaean shield upon a wounded warrior deserves a strong word. (Note that “ἰάπτω” in Od. 2.376, Od. 4.749 is probably a different word = hurt: it has no “ϝ”, and may be conn. with “ἴψαο” 1.454: Schulze Q. E. p. 168.) So in Septem 508 we have “κεφαλὰν ἰάψειν”, drop the head of a falling warrior. The ancient commentators and most of the modern connect the word with “ἕπομαι” or “ἅπτω” (hence writing “ἑ”- for “ἐ”-) and explain shield and helmet clung to him, followed him in his fall. This gives a rather more natural sense, but the form of the verb cannot be satisfactorily explained.

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

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