The Iliad
The Greek Gods and Goddesses A brief reminder of the gods and goddesses https://youtu.be/RId6Sv2ZAKA
Background https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr4faJfqyG0 Golden Age of Greece
Background Info/Literary Terms
Homer’s Epics Considered statements of cultural identity Heroes embody the values of Greek culture. Bravery, loyalty, intelligence, honor to the gods, heroism, glory, determination, etc.
More on Homer Homer is said to be the first teller of adventures of all times. He was not the first author because in his day stories were passed down---they were told. He was a blind man whose date of birth is unknown.
Form In Medias Res In the middle of things The epics begin in the middle of the story but flashback to past events. General outline and characters of stories were already known to audience. The Trojan War Invocation (invoking Muses) Muses are goddesses of poetry, art, music, and dance. Invoking the Muse was a poet’s way of asking for inspiration and ideas. The Odyssey, The Iliad, and Paradise Lost (Britain).
Stock Epithets Phrases used to rename characters based on traits Achilles of the swift feet Hector breaker of horses Singer emperor of knowledge
Background of the Iliad A brief reminder of what really started the Trojan War https://youtu.be/Qext7NcyHVo
Trojan War Eris – goddess of discord (disagreement) Upset about not being invited to the wedding of Thetis and Peleus. Made a Golden Apple labeled “for the fairest one.” Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite Argue over apple Choose Paris, prince of Troy to make decision. Each goddess offered a bribe. Athena – wisdom; Hera – be a powerful king; and Aphrodite – the most beautiful woman
Trojan War Aphrodite Paris Offers Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen. Helen is already married to Menelaos, a Greek king. Paris Kidnaps Helen, the “face that launched a thousand ships.”
Trojan War Menelaos – Husband to Helen Seeks help from Agamemnon, king of Mycenae. War lasts ten years The Iliad focuses on the last two months of the war.
Achilles Son of Thetis (sea goddess) and Peleus, a mortal. Dipped into the Styx all except for his heel. (Achilles Heel) Best warrior for the Greeks Suffers from excessive Pride (hubris) and anger. In war for fame
Greeks (also known as the Acheans) Agamemnon – Leader of Greeks/suffers from pride and stubbornness. Patroklos – close friend of Achilles Odysseus – most intelligent Greek and advisor to Achilles. Hera and Athena – favor Greeks
Trojans Hector – best Trojan soldier and prince of Troy King Priam – king of Troy Paris – Hector’s brother and prince of Troy/kills Achilles. Andromache – Hector’s wife. Aphrodite, Apollo, and Ares – favor Trojans. Zeus – mostly neutral but appeases gods involved.
Death of Achilles Many different stories: Killed by Paris who finds out vulnerable spot from Apollo Apollo in the disguise of Paris Achilles falls in love with one of Priam’s daughters and is slain when he shows up for the wedding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgyU9UGnsv4
Gods/Goddesses in the Iliad Aphrodite Apollo Athena Hera Hephaestus Poseidon Zeus Ares Artemis Hades Hermes Thetis