Reading Notes: Homer's Iliad, Part B

-It is interesting how important people's bodies are in these tales. Men in the dozens are willing to give their lives to protect the bodies of men who are already dead. It is poignant and deeply emotional how these warriors who pride themselves on bloodlust and fighting can care so much about another man's afterlife
-It is confusing to try to tell what side the gods are one. It seems that their wills shift with the change of the wind. I think it would be much better for man if the gods just stayed out of their wars
-There must have been so many thoughts going through Hector's mind as Achilles rushed at him. He had heard all of the tales of Achilles, how he had been blessed by the gods. And he had boasted to Petrocolus about killing him and then killing Achilles, so maybe he deserved it? But I do not think Hector was thinking about his own life, or about the people of Troy. I think he was thinking of his wife and child, the woman who had said all of those lovely words to him as he went to battle yesterday. Hector knew he was probably going to die, and if I were him I would just let my mind wander to what made me happiest.
-On another note, where the heck is Paris in all of this? I don't see him running out to meet Achilles. I don't see him fighting over anyone's body. He is the one who started this war and he is letting his whole nation die for him. I have seen the movie so I am sure he shows up and I am writing this as I read it but still, who lets Hector just walk out to die when you are the one that started this.
-It makes me angry to think of the gods lounging over this war, considering whether Hector should die while Hector is running for his life, probably the most scared he has ever been. The mortals are dying and sweating and running and the gods are just musing about whether to save them or not. Maybe that is the wrong impression but that is how it is coming off to me.


Bibliography: The Iliad retold by Alfred J. Church (1907).

Wrath of Achilles by Michel Drolling

Reading Notes: Homer's Iliad, Part A

-It would be interesting to retell the story from Briseïs’s point of view and incorporate Athena and a love story with Achilles

-It is an interesting relationship between Zeus and his subjects. While it seems that he is their king and has some respect, there is not an all-powerful rule over his subjects. In the case of Thetis, she reminds him what she has done for him. I think of him almost as the rich uncle in a big family who you go to when you need money and you remind him of what you have done for the family.

-Hera and Zeus’s relationship is fascinating. I find Hera to be sassy and independent and powerful, and I love that although she recognizes Zeus as a man and ruler of Olympus she does not take his crap. She goes her own way and has her own opinions, sometimes much to the anger of her husband. In a world where women often do not have much say in the matters going on in these stories, that is refreshing

-It is very romantic and sad the way Hector’s wife begs him to stay out of the battle- the line “but you are father to me and mother, and brother, and husband also” really stuck out to me. Because as I have gotten into a more serious relationship I can see how that can be true. The love of your life should take on roles that encompass not only a lover but also a best friend and a provider and a caretaker, a guide and a nurturer. You want your husband or wife to be there for you as you lose those people, in particular your parents, and something that can really help that burden is if you have someone in your life who takes on part of the role that you used to rely on your parents for. Naturally a person should internalize some of those roles themselves but everyone still needs guidance in their lives.

Bibliography: The Iliad retold by Alfred J. Church (1907).

Thetis and Zeus, by Ingres