Γεροντομανία (fr. 10)

77

ού κήλησε δέμας λεπτόν 'Ραδάμανθυν / Λύσανδρον κώθωνι, πριν αύτώ δώκε
λεπαστήν.
Palamedes, on the other hand, is far more natural in this context. A student
of Cheiron (X. Cyn. 1.2), he first appears in literature in the Cypria (fr. 30) and
was the subject of tragedies by all three major tragedians (cf. Ar. Th. 769-84
for parody of Euripides’ play), an epideictic speech of Gorgias, and possibly
a comedy by Philemo. Known for his wisdom and inventiveness (cf. Eup. fr.
385.6 Παλαμηδικόν γε τούτο τούξευρημα και σοφόν σου [concerning the use
of chamber-pots in symposia]), he was killed by Odysseus, in some versions
in collusion with Diomedes, out of jealousy (e. g. Cypria fr. 30; X. Mem. 4.2.33;
Pl. Ap. 41b); in general, see Roscher 1884-1937 III. 1264—73; Kleingimther 1933.
78-84; LIMC VII. 1.145. Palamedes’ primary reputation was as an inventor or
discoverer (for a list of inventions attributed to him, see Roscher 1884-1937
III. 1268—71), although many of his inventions seem to consist of the realization
of something’s proper arrangement, e. g. of letters, months and years, troops,
meals (cf. Kleingunther 1933. 28); his discovery here perhaps fits best with the
inventions characterized by Roscher, 1270-1 as ‘Brettspiel’ and ‘Wiirfel’. In
general, see Zographou-Lyra 1987.