[667] Cp. the statement of Herodotos (ii. 53) that Homer and Hesiod created the details of Hellenic mythology, even the names and functions of the deities.

[668] Plato, Rep. 377 B.

[669] Ibid. 378.

[670] Plato, Rep. 380.

[671] Plato, Rep. 388 D.

[672] Ibid. 391 B. Plato maligns Achilles. He only promised the hair to Spercheios on condition that he returned home alive, which he knew he would not do if he slew Hektor.

[673] Compare Tennyson, In Memoriam, xxxvi.:

For Wisdom dealt with mortal powers,

Where truth in closest words shall fail,

When truth embodied in a tale