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[839] αἴθωνες, apparently sorrel or brown. The epithet is used to mean (a) shining, especially of iron or bronze, (b) reddish-coloured or tawny, of animals (cf. fulvus from fulg-eo), especially the lion, the bull (16.488), and eagle (15.690). Others understand it to mean ‘of fiery courage,’ others (see Ameis on Od. 18.372) ‘shining’ with sleek coats or feathers. It is hardly possible to decide between these; the only important argument urged is that in 8.185, where Hector's four horses are “Ξάνθος, Πόδαργος, Αἴθων”, and “Λάμπος”, the two first clearly refer to colour; but the last name would support Ameis's interpretation.

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

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