Culex 330
Part of : Πλάτων : περιοδικό της Εταιρείας Ελλήνων Φιλολόγων ; Vol.53, No.1, 2003, pages 159-179
Issue:
Pages:
159-179
Author:
Abstract:
This article is an attempt to restore the problematic passage Culex 330:iam Ciconas iamque horret atrox +lestrigone...; a verse which refers toUlysses and belongs to the wider unity of the famous heroes of the archaicGreek epic tradition. In view of the problem of the textual tradition andthe insufficient suggestions for its solution so far, most editors of the textposition crux before the word lestrìgone and omit the end of the verse.Firstly, the readings of the manuscripts are examined and a commentary ismade. Most manuscripts have the reading lestrìgone and omit the word ofthe last foot, whereas the only exception in the best codices is V, where weread lestrigones ipse, which is considered to be an interpolado.Consequently, the large number of emendations and conjectures on thepassage which have been proposed until now are mentioned and criticized(Pamoicon asiamque h. L. atrox ή atros, iam Ciconas, iam iamque horretLaestrygonas atros ή atrox ή acres, lestrigones et iam, Laestrygon <ium ius>,Laestrygonis antrum, Laestrygone limen, Laestrygone <litus>, Laestrygone<nomen>, Laestrygonas agmen, Laestrygona monstrum, Laestrygone<natos>, Laestrygonis urbem, Laestrigonas ipse και Laestrygonas ipse).Furthermore, the deficiencies, the problems and the weaknesses of each ofthem are underscored and their unsuitability is thus proved. Finally, thepassage which is proposed after the restoration is: iam Ciconas iamquehorret atrox Laestrygonas <heros>; and the reasons that contribute to sucha conjecture are presented with arguments. As it is confirmed by similarpassages, this conjecture complies perfectly with the poet's style andtechnique in general and is reinforced by the heroic tone, the epic themeand the vocabulary of the whole passage. It is also supported by theimplied reference to Ulysses as a hero in other parts of the text and doesnot cause any difficulty in the interpretation of the corruption of themanuscripts.
Subject (LC):
