The Doloneia revisited

Abstract

In the discussion of relative chronology in archaic Greek epic the Doloneia plays a prominent role. When we try to define the relationship of single works without extra-textual evidence, we are limited to observing implicit references: intentional or unintentional adoptions of phrasings, citations, allusions. But by this method we can never be sure if what we label a ‘model text’ of a quotation is identical with the state of the text which has been handed down to us, as the model may as well have been a much earlier condition of the same text. Thus conclusions concerning relative chronology in archaic Greek epic must remain controversial. The Doloneia is the only single extended passage within the Iliad which has been labelled a ‘late addition’ or ‘not authentic’ by most Homeric scholars, starting from the famous note in the scholia. In my doctoral thesis I tried to show that the Doloneia, though referring to the Iliad , and aiming at being an integral part of it, differs significantly from the Iliad 's style and is no part of its larger poetical conception, but a secondary addition. Only with regard to the question of ‘authorship’ did I refrain from making a strong judgement, for the following reason.