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[55] σύμβαλον, commiserunt, as 3.70. In 16.565 the word is intrans., and might be so taken here. ἐν δ᾽ αὐτοῖς, and among men. It is more natural to explain among themselves at the same time, and 66 seems to assume that the outbreak among the gods has been already announced. But the reflexive use of “αὐτός” is so doubtful in H. that we must hesitate to adopt this rendering. It has indeed been proposed to omit 66-74 as an interpolation, so that the actual conflict of the gods will be postponed to the Theomachy in the next book, and the fight between them here, which is announced with so much circumstance in order to end in nothing, will disappear. But 75 prevents this, and shews that the whole introduction to the book hangs together. ῥ́ηγνυτο, caused to break out, a quite unique phrase; the nearest analogies are “ῥῆξαι” (rarely “ῥήξασθαι”) “φωνήν” from Herod. onwards, “δακρύων ῥήξασα νάματαSoph. Tr. 919, “ἀναρρήξει κακάSoph. O. T. 1075, and closest of all “ἐκρήξει μάχηAi. 775. “ῥήγνυσθαι” is common in M, N, and O of breaking through an enemy's line or wall.

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hide References (4 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (4):
    • Homer, Iliad, 16.565
    • Homer, Iliad, 3.70
    • Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus, 1075
    • Sophocles, Trachiniae, 919
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