Thomas W. Allen, E. E. Sikes, Commentary on the Homeric Hymns

ἐρυσίπτολιν: the epithet occurs in Il. 6.305 and xxviii. 3 of Athena. The suggestion (Ebeling, Gemoll) that the word is non boni ominis, “making cities to fall,” cannot be entertained. The first part of the word must be connected with “ἐρύομαι”, “protect,” although Leaf suggests that the original form was “ῥυσίπτολις” (so schol. A l.c.), “ἐρυσίπτολις” being coined on the mistaken analogy of “ἐρυσάρματος” (from “ἐρύω” “draw”).

The epithet recalls Athena “πολιοῦχος” (Pauly-Wissowa “Athena” 1946). The reference to “περθόμεναι πόληες” (3) does not negative this view; Athena goes forth with her own people (4) to sack the enemy's city.