A very plausible and humorous interpretation! It's hard not see the parallels between Oudamos and Outis. I'm curious, however, if Pelekos would have evoked any identification with the eponymous founder of the Pelekos syngeneia of the Sanctuary of Sinuri in Caria, with the name itself having perhaps been in circulation; even so, it doesn't preclude the possibility that fellow Greek mercenaries would have had πέλεκυς in mind! Thank you.
The Sinuri inscription is one reason scholars think Pelekos should be interpreted solely as a name. It certainly means we might expect the writer to have known a Carian of that name. But the pun is too compelling!
I’m reminded of the various entertainers who’ve used the stage name Nosmo King.
A very plausible and humorous interpretation! It's hard not see the parallels between Oudamos and Outis. I'm curious, however, if Pelekos would have evoked any identification with the eponymous founder of the Pelekos syngeneia of the Sanctuary of Sinuri in Caria, with the name itself having perhaps been in circulation; even so, it doesn't preclude the possibility that fellow Greek mercenaries would have had πέλεκυς in mind! Thank you.
The Sinuri inscription is one reason scholars think Pelekos should be interpreted solely as a name. It certainly means we might expect the writer to have known a Carian of that name. But the pun is too compelling!
Thank you!