26/9/06 - Classical Literature - Iliad: Books 1-2

Sing. First word, sets theme.
In Greek, menis - rage, wrath.
So, theme is Achilleus's wrath.

Muses - goddesses, daughters of Memory. (9)
For Iliad they are also daughters of Zeus.
Homer believed in Muses, goddesses of poetry. And traditional. So in the first line he entreats them to sing a traditional song about the wrath of Achilleus. They are also the gateway between Gods and men so Homer can write about the activities of both. Also, as daughters of Memory they can relate to Homer events of the past. As they are Muses, this entreaty also encompasses asking them to give him inspiration for the tale he is about to embark on.

2:484. Introduction to catalogue of ships, entreating the Muses.

Evidence for performance. Speaker would speak to the Muses before performance to tell the audience what to expect from it.

Achilleus is ambiguous because he is the greatest hero but he is too angry, short-tempered, etc.

Patronymic, stating the name of father of person being referred to. E.g. Achilleus, son of Peleus; Zeus, son of Kronos; etc.

NOTE: Names ending in os/us are Latinate, e.g. Achilleus/Achilles. Unresolved, Paris/Alexandros.

"The will of Zeus was accomplished" - unclear, but could refer to the Gods' plan to create a war to reduce the population of the earth.

Agamemnon presented as a bad king.

First sign that they are in conflict - it is Achilleus who calls the assembly; promises to protect Kalchas from Agamemnon. E.g. 1:106, 122... they argue, insulting each other one after another. Nestor mediator - dignified.

Zeus owes Thetis a favour for saving him against the other gods. So Zeus is obliged to assent to her wishes. Elevated tone of story - divine intervention. Nobility. When Zeus nods he shakes Olympus. He asserts his authority over Hera. Dignity. Heaven still idealised, arguments resolved. Comic relief in final book.

Achilleus points out that the war is over a 'mere' woman. Gods do not succumb to this folly, although Zeus and Hera often disagree. His superiority overrules; he keeps his wife in order.

Heroes likened to Gods. Gods likewise have human qualities; pettiness, whims, brutality.

How do the Gods intervene? The Gods are made rational - when Athene pulls at Achilleus's hair he is said to have second thoughts, because Athene is the goddess of wisdom.

Human weakness: thinking themselves gods, immortal.