maliddu-

Hapax in a MS manuscript of the Telipinu myth.

[Zs.S.]

nom.-acc. sg. n.

ma-li-id-du

KUB 17.10 ii 26

(CTH 324, MS)

Attestation following CHD L-N s.v. and HEG L-S:209 checked against the photograph of the Konkordanz.

[Zs.S.]

There is no doubt regarding the meaning on contextual grounds (cf. CHD L-N s.v.), supported by its etymological connection with the word for ‘honey’, cf. under Origin.

[Zs.S.]

Since this word is otherwise always attested as miliddu- (cf. CHD L-N s.v.), the form maliddu- requires an explanation. Berman 1972a:65 claimed that this is “probably a scribal error”, which is graphically entirely unbelievable. Due to its <a> Neumann 1961c:74 n. 12 suggested that this is a Luwianized form (followed by HEG L-S:209, who speaks of “Luwian influence”, cf. Luwian malit- ‘honey’, *mallid(d)u- ‘honey-sweet’, s.vv.). Although this is not impossible, maliddu- can be easily explained as reflecting an ablaut grade different from miliddu-, just like in its base militt-/malitt- ‘honey’. The latter is thus the more widespread explanation (Čop 1964a:44 n. 65c; Schindler 1967b:203 n. 90; Oettinger 1978a:80 n. 27; Weitenberg 1984a:196f.; Starke 1990a:193 n. 628; Rieken 1999a:158 n. 748; EDHIL:580) and note also those authors who consider this form as Hittite without any comment (CHD L-N s.v.; HED M:153–158; Ünal 2007a:448, Ünal 2016a:352; Tischler 2008a:109, 118, Tischler 2016a:206, 223 [contrary to his earlier opinion]). It is not included in the list of Luwianisms of Melchert 2005a and van den Hout 2007a either. Since we are dealing with a Hittite text, an impeccable Hittite solution is available, and no argument forces us to assume a Luwian origin, this form is identified here as Hittite.

[Zs.S.]