An excuse for every occasion:
The Multiforms of Il.10.391

William S. Duffy (University at Buffalo, SUNY)

A common reason for ignoring versions of Homeric lines that differ from those of the medieval tradition is that the “variant” versions do not offer any new information. The multiforms of Il.10.391 provide striking evidence against this. Although the three variations differ from each other by only one word, they each have the potential to show us something different about the poem, particularly about the means of persuasion.

According to most medieval traditions, Dolon claims in Il.10.391 claims “πάρεκ νόον ἤγαγεν Ἕκτωρ.” While this looks like a perfectly normal use of ἄγω, Homeric epic contains few other examples where this verb is used for leading someone into folly. Thus, even this seemingly innocuous choice shows the Homeric tradition being used in an unusual way.

Aristophanes of Byzantium’s version of the line, “πάρεκ νόον ἤπαφεν Ἕκτωρ,” has Dolon explaining his actions in a different way. The verb ἀπαφίσκω, which appears in the medieval Odyssey but not the medieval Iliad, indicates that Dolon either believes that Hektor tricked him, or that Odysseus and Diomedes will believe that he did.

A version of the line found among the unpublished Oxyrhynchus papyri, “πάρεκ νόον ἤλασεν Ἕκτωρ,” provides another poossibility. Dolon’s use of ἐλαύνω seems to claim that Hektor forced him to spy on the Greeks regardless of whether he wanted to. The multiforms of Il.10.391 thus show Dolon giving three different excuses for his actions. Furthermore, none of Dolon’s statements match what actually happened.

The events of the Trojan embassy at Il.10.299-331 contradict Dolon’s account in all three multiforms. Therefore, the variations do not reflect one “correct” and two “incorrect” versions, but three different explanations Dolon thought would save his head, each attested in the tradition of the Iliad known to us. The multiforms therefore provide proof of the potential for individual creativity within the structure of Homeric epic, specifically that available to the oral poet composing in performance.

The multiforms of line Il.10.391 provide insight into the events of the poem, the characters involved, and the way that Homeric language works. They also provide further confirmation of the valυe of investigating all the versions of Homer available to us.