Λυκ- and the Danger of Not Seeing the Truth: Pandaros in Iliad 4 and 5

Abstract

In this paper I argue that the root Λυκ-, found in the name of both Pandaros's father (Λυκάων) and area of birth (Λυκία), creates a meaningful association between this character and the mythological figure of Lycaon. This association stresses the common feature to these two characters: impiety. If Lycaon's impiety resides both in his being the performer of the first cannibalistic sacrifice and in his failing to realize the presence of Zeus at the sacrifice, Pandaros's impious nature emerges in Iliad 4 and 5, where he respectively breaks the truce between Greeks and Trojans and tries to challenge Diomedes.