1. On the authenticity ofΩ27-30 Did Homer know the story of the ’Judgement of Paris’? The answer to this question depends on our assessment of two or three verses towards the end of the Iliad. When Achilles is desecrating Hector’s body, the gods, we are told, are finally moved by pity for the slain hero, although none of them had rushed to his support before. They decide to put an end to the repulsive spectacle by ordering Hermes to steal Hector’s body from Achilles’ chariot. This plan is approved by all, but three gods - Hera, Poseidon, and Athene (Ω25ff.):