Variantes textuales en una cita homérica de Licurgo: Ilíada XV 494-499 en Contra Leócrates 103

Abstract

The text of some Homeric quotations frequently differs from that of our manuscripts. Two explanations may be brought forward in connection to this: a) the ancient authors made mistakes because they quoted the text from memory, and b) due to the performances of the rhapsodes, the Homeric text had more than one reading in the prealexandrine period, so that the authors could turn to different sources. In Against Leocrates 103, Licurgus quotes Il. XV 494-499 with three (perhaps four) variants. The scholars are inclined lo lend more credibility to the first explanation. Nevertheless, this article holds the view, as closer to reality, that Lycurgus quoted his own Iliad, whose text would differ from others that were in circulation at that time.