autous- them vs themselves

Greek Learning Greek
1

In line 4&5 of the Iliad it says [size=150]αὐτοὺς δὲ ἑλώρια τεῦχε κύνεσσιν οἰωνοῖσί τε δαῖτα,..

2

Hi,

Your reasoning is fine. We moderns just aren’t used to the idea that the ‘real self’ is the body and not the soul.

There is a deliberate contrast between the words
yuxa/j and au)tou/j - souls and bodies:

“And hurled forth to Hades many mighty souls of heros
while making their bodies prey for dogs…”

au)tou/j is indeed the object of the imperfect teu=xe.

Cordially,

Paul

3

Thank you. I understand now.
Send their SOULS to Hades, but make THEM a pray to dogs…