78. FULL-FACED--GODS. This means either that not a face was missing, or
refers to the impressive countenances of the gods. Another possible
interpretation is that all their faces were turned full towards the board
on which the apple was cast. Compare for this epithet _Lotos Eaters_, 7;
and _Princess_, ii. 166.

79. PELEUS. All the gods, save Eris, were present at the marriage
between Peleus and Thetis, a sea-deity. In her anger Eris threw upon the
banquet-table the apple which Paris now holds in his hand. Peleus and
Thetis were the parents of the famous Achilles.

81. IRIS. The messenger of the gods. The rainbow is her symbol.

83. DELIVERING=announcing.

89-100. These lines, and the opening lines of the poem are among the best
of Tennyson's blank verse lines, and therefore among the best that
English poetry contains. The description owes some of its beauty to
Homer. In its earlier form, in the volume of 1832-3, it is much less
perfect.

132. A CRESTED PEACOCK. The peacock was sacred to Herè (Juno).

103. A GOLDEN CLOUD. The gods were wont to recline upon Olympus beneath
a canopy of golden clouds.

104. DROPPING FRAGRANT DEW. Drops of glittering dew fell from the golden
cloud which shrouded Herè and Zeus. See _Iliad_, XIV, 341 f.