Abstract
This paper deals with some ‘unconventional’ linguistic elements in Homer, the 3rd person pronouns ἑέ and ἑοῖ. It analyzes the distribution of these pronouns in the Homeric poems, their relation to τεοῖο, τεΐν and the type ἑαυτοῦ, ἑωυτοῦ, and their possible origin with regard to the Greek dialects. More specifically it argues that ἑέ and ἑοῖ are to be counted among a number of features that reflect the cultural influence of Central and Western Greece that entered the epic diction in its latest phases. It also draws attention to the fact that if the explanation of the type ἑαυτοῦ, ἑωυτοῦ as derived from the univerbation of ἑοῖ + αὐτ- found in several etymological dictionaries and handbooks is to be accepted, Attic and Ionic should be considered as regards the origin of ἑοῖ (and ἑέ) in Homer; on the other hand, if a West Greek origin for ἑοῖ (and ἑέ) is deemed likely, the abovementioned ‘traditional’ explanation for ἑαυτοῦ, ἑωυτοῦ may require reconsideration, especially in comparison with a reconstruction of ἑαυτοῦ, ἑωυτοῦ as derived from univerbation of ἕο + αὐτ-.
