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[175] παῖδα, sc. Hermione, Od. 4.14. τηλυγέτην: the explanation of this much disputed word which now seems to be the most generally accepted is that given by Savelsberg in the Rhein. Mus. 1853, p. 441. It is explained at length by M. and R. on Od. 4.11. The conclusion there arrived at is that the word means adolescens, lit. ‘grown big,’ from *“τῆλυς” = great, and that it indicates an age of from thirteen to twenty or thereabouts. This suits the statement of Sophokles as quoted by the schol. on Od. 4.4, and Eustath., who say that Hermione was given in marriage while Helen was in Troy, so that she could not have been very young when her mother left her. But it is only an uncertain guess.

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

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  • Commentary references from this page (3):
    • Homer, Odyssey, 4.11
    • Homer, Odyssey, 4.14
    • Homer, Odyssey, 4.4
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