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[122] γλυφίδας: cf. Od. 21.419 “ἕλκεν νευρὴν γλυφίδας τε”. The word is generally taken to mean the notch in the arrow into which the string fitted, and so Ap. Rhod. understood it ( iii. 282 “γλυφίδας μέσσηι ἐνικάτθετο νευρῆι” ). But the plur. is then unexplained, and this sense does not suit Herod.viii. 128 “τοξεύματος παρὰ” (“περὶ”?) “τὰς γλυφίδας περιειλίξαντες”. Hence it has been conjectured that there were two notches near the ends of the arrow, meant to give a hold for the fingers. This would give a good sense; but there is no evidence for such an arrangement, and it is doubtful if the Greeks shot with the arrow tightly held (see Seaton in C. R. i. p. 244 and App. B, x.). It is possible, however, that two longitudinal grooves may have been used to give a better hold. νεῦρα only here = “νευρή”, bowstring made of a bull's sinew; see 151 for a different sense.

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):
    • Herodotus, Histories, 8.128
    • Homer, Odyssey, 21.419
    • Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, 3.282
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