But even in this only passage where the act of Helen is so described, several points are to be observed. First, it is referred to a preternatural influence, which is not the manner of this Poet in cases at least of deep and deliberate crime; secondly, no epithet of infamy is applied to her; thirdly, we must observe the drift of the speaker. Penelope is excusing herself to Ulysses, for her own extreme caution and reserve in admitting his identity. Therefore she is naturally led to enhance the dreadful nature of the occurrence where a wife gives herself over into the power of any man, other than one known to be her husband; and this, whether the act be voluntary or involuntary. Accordingly she refers to the act of Helen rather than to the agent, and treats it as horrible; but avoids charging it as wilful.
Homer’s Epithets for Helen.
On the other hand, we may observe that the general tenour of the epithets bestowed upon Helen leans on the whole towards the laudatory sense.
She is
εὐπατέρεια, the high-born; Il. vi. 292; Od. xxii. 227; most probably agreeing in sense with the next phrase.
Διὸς ἐκγεγαυῖα, the child of Jupiter; Il. iii. 199; et alibi.
κούρη Διὸς, the daughter of Jupiter; Il. iii. 426.
δῖα γυναικῶν, the excellent, or flower of women; Il. iii. 171, 228; and Od. iv. 305; xv. 106.
καλλιπάρῃος, of the beautiful cheeks; Od. xv. 123.
καλλίκομος; Od. xv. 58; ἠΰκομος; Il. iii. 329, et alibi, the fair-haired.