[101] Γρηΐ Παλαιγενέϊ ἐΝαλίγκιος: the corn-spirit, in the form of the last sheaf, is often called the “Old Woman,” “Grandmother” etc.; see Frazer G. B. ii. p. 170 f. It has been suggested that in “γρηΐ” we have a survival of the otherwise nameless corn-spirit. Jevons even holds that the corn-goddess was known simply as “γραῦς”, and her daughter as “κόρη”, until the Athenians identified the two with Demeter and Persephone (p. 367, 378 f.). But it is difficult to believe that the Eleusinian goddesses were nameless until so late a period. Indeed, as far as regards the hymn, the metamorphosis of Demeter into an old woman need have no special significance; some disguise was necessary for the purpose of the story. Compare the account of Pamphos mentioned by Paus.i. 39. 1（“γραῒ εἰκασμένην”). For a similar disguise cf. Il. 3.386, of Aphrodite, which shews that the present passage may be due to epic influence.
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The Homeric Hymns, edited, with preface, apparatus criticus, notes, and appendices. Thomas W. Allen. E. E. Sikes. London. Macmillan. 1904.
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