Mythological names in ancient Greek proverbs

Abstract

Ancient Greek proverbs containing mythological names have been preserved in dictionaries from the Roman and Byzantine eras. They are rarely the subject of analysis. Many explanations given by the lexicographers are obviously false. The name contains a minimized plot or refers to an easily recognizable feature of the mythical image. Sometimes this relationship is supported by etymological play, and on occasion even onomatopoeia underlies a proverb, its image and its plot.