Note 209 — THE THEOGONY.
George Chapman translation
Through the void Of Erebus.]
Χαος is here only a gulf or void. Le Clerc quotes Aristophanes to show that it is the vacuity of air: but the conflagration of air has already been described. Grævius is undoubtedly right in interpreting it the subterraneous abyss, or Erebus: in which sense it is afterwards used by Hesiod; when the Titans are said to dwell “beyond the obscure chaos,” or chasm. Virgil uses chaos in this acceptation, Æneid. vi. 205:
Ye silent shades! Oh Chaos hoar! and Phlegethon profound! Pitt.
So also Ovid, Metamorph. x. Orpheus to Pluto and Proserpine:
I call you by those sights so full of fear: This chaos vast; these silent kingdoms drear!