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Γλάνιδος, ἀδελφοῦ τοῦ Βάκιδος γεραιτέρου.
The phrase γεραιτέρου is the comparative of γέρων, but here it functions not merely as an adjective meaning 'older' but as a substantive title or nickname. In the context of the Knights, Aristophanes is satirizing the demagogues by assigning them ridiculous, often animalistic or diminutive names. Γλάνις (Glanis) and Βάκις (Bakis) are not historical figures of note but are likely invented or caricatured names. The use of the comparative here, 'Glanis, Bakis's older brother,' suggests a specific familial relationship that serves the comic logic of the play, possibly alluding to a real or perceived rivalry or hierarchy among the lower-class Athenian populace, which Aristophanes is mocking. The grammatical construction is straightforward, but the semantic weight lies in the deliberate absurdity of the names and the triviality of the relationship being highlighted for comic effect.
Knights. Aristophanes. . 2026-09-08.