Homeric Formulae

Abstract This article discusses the issue of applicability of Milman Parry’s principles of economy and extension to Homer and other epic traditions. By addressing the objections raised by scholars in various fields, it argues that the presence of formulae is in itself not enough for either proving or disproving a given text’s orality. Only economy and extension embodied in the systems of formulae can serve as such a proof. Application of this criterion to various epic traditions shows that, although economy and extension cannot be considered universal indices of orality, they do fulfil this function in Homer and early Greek epic.