The Iliad The Greek Gods and Goddesses A

The Iliad

The Greek Gods and Goddesses �A brief reminder of the gods and goddesses � https: //youtu. be/RId 6 Sv 2 ZAKA

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/Qext 7 Ncy. HVo

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 � 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.