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The Trachiniae · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes, including a note on the Peleads, the priestesses of Dodona who interpreted the rustling of oak leaves and the cooing of sacred doves, with their name folk-etymologically linked to 'peleiai' (doves
What happens
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes, including a note on the Peleads, the priestesses of Dodona who interpreted the rustling of oak leaves and the cooing of sacred doves, with their name folk-etymologically linked to 'peleiai' (doves).
Key passages
“The Peleads were the priestesses of Dodona who interpreted the rustling of the oak or the cooing of the sacred doves and their name in folk etymology was identified with peleiai , doves.”
The Peleads served as priestesses at Dodona, where they divined meaning from the rustling oak leaves and the cooing of holy doves; their title was popularly understood to mean 'doves'.
Clarifies the role and etymology of the Peleads.