The Homeric World Of The Iliad - 1457 Words

A hero, illustrated through the majority of notable Greek works of literature, is established by a precise set of characteristics that allow them to be separated from the ordinary, and be remembered as exceptional champions. In the Homeric world of the Iliad, the essence of a true hero can be identified by their extraordinary strength, connection of divine ancestry, recognition of mortality, and a defining moment or test of strength which will either lead to their resolution or downfall. Although Achilles may not have been the most tolerant individual, in the Homeric sense of the word, he is most certainly a hero. Achilles is notorious for his uncontrollable rage, which allows him to be recognized as a feared and ruthless warrior among†¦show more content†¦Achilles is portrayed within the Iliad as â€Å"god like,† but he is still simply a mortal since his mother Thetis is a sea nymph, and his father Peleus is a human. This bloodline is imperative to the build of a hero since they must be able to suffer as the mortals do, but also have incredible and inhuman abilities that make them memorable. His mother s attempt to turn him immortal by means of the river Styx is incredibly important since it failed when her fingers left the bare spots of his ankles defenseless. This certain vulnerability is what separates him from the everlasting gods, and allows him to understand human agony and emotion. Meddlesome immortals may attempt to tamper with the outcome of the Trojan War, choosing sides and manipulating the battle as they please, but they risk relatively nothing in joining the fight since they cannot die. They are unaware of just how drastically their chaotic disputes affect humanity. Their immortality limits them from comprehending the extent of suffering the Greeks and Trojans must face, to them war is nothing more than a game, but Zeus shows but Zeus shows pity when he says that, â€Å"there is nothing alive more agonized than man of all that breathe and crawl across the earth† (457). More precisely, although the gods may force their own will over the creatures on earth in a meaningless manner, humans have a conscious and are able to understand what is happening. However, they areShow MoreRelatedAncient Greek Perception of War, Role of Women and Children, and Immortals833 Words   |  4 Pages In the Iliad, the oldest and greatest of the Greek epics, Homer tells of the wars fought between the Greeks and the Trojans. Much of this books main focus takes place during the Homeric period in which the Trojan War began. In a pre industrial society, Homer describes the way mortals and immortals sought their existence throughout the Trojan War. Homers style of writing in Iliad enables a modern reader to perceive how the Ancient Greeks thought of warfare, of religion, and of the roleRead MoreHomer: Blind or Captive Essay513 Words   |  3 Pagesman, not much is known about him, and what is known about him is questioned by the â€Å"Homeric Question,† he composed The Iliad and The Odyssey, and that is what his life is based off of. Homer means blind or captive. He was said to be born in 800 BCE, but their is no exact date but they know it is between the 12th and 8th century BCE. He is believed to be blind man, because of a character in his poems The Iliad. He is known for sure to have born and died in Greece or Asia Minor, although no oneRead MoreThe Iliad And The Odyssey1060 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.† (The Iliad pg.405) The quote is relevant to the stories Homer created during the period of the Trojan War. 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The theme of misogyny, combined with deceit and trickery, is prevalent in Hesiodic and Homeric literature through the descriptions of the treatment of women and how they exercise power. According to Hesiod s Theogony and Works and Days, the beautiful Pandora was the very first mortal woman to be created by the gods and goddesses of OlympusRead MoreAssess the Extent to Which Archaeological Evidence Uncovered by Heinrich Schliemann Supports Homer’s Existence of Troy.1367 Words   |  6 PagesHomer’s Iliad is a powerful, beautiful, and awe-inspiring work of ancient Greece. An epic poem and a classic of world literature, the Iliad recounts portions of the war between Greece and the city-state of Troy. Most entrancing are his vivid wonderful descriptions of the Great City of Troy and illustrious recounts of the events that took place on this ancient site. It is not a surprise that the 19th century German archaeologist or arguably treasure hunter, Heinrich Schliemann was spellbound to