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[6] παραβλήδην: variously explained maliciously (with a side meaning); by way of retort (so Ap. Rhod. ii. 60, 448, etc., seems to have taken it), by way of invidious comparison between Aphrodite and the two goddesses. None of these is satisfactory; I would suggest by way of risking himself (‘drawing her fire’ in modern metaphor), i.e. wilfully tempting her to retort upon himself; hence provokingly (cf. “παραιβόλα κερτομέουσιν” of teasing boys, Hymn. Merc. 56). This sense of “παραβάλλεσθαι” is (with the exception of the purely literal meaning) the only one which occurs in H. (see 9.322), and remained attached to the word throughout Greek literature (v. L. and S. s.v.).

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

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hide References (4 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (4):
    • Homer, Iliad, 9.322
    • Homeric Hymns, Hymn 4 to Hermes, 56
    • Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, 2.448
    • Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica, 2.60
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