Reading Notes: Iliad Part A
The Iliad is a very well known story in Greek mythology. The story of Achilles is the main story that I am focusing on for this post (even though there are many interesting parts to The Iliad). The story takes part along side the Trojan War. Achilles, a heuristic warrior, fights under King Agamemnon, a greedy leader that seeks Helen himself. King Agamemnon upsets Achilles and so Achilles flees the war. Agamemnon realizes that he needs Achilles desperately to finish the war and so he sends Phoenix, Ajax, and Odysseus to persuade Achilles to come back and fight for him. The three men plead Achilles to return to battle because the Trojans are seizing them and Hector claims the Zeus is on Troy's side. Gifts, riches, and words regarding family were presented to Achilles to persuade him to "do the right thing."
Achilles listens intently and states that he will follow his heart with his decision; however, he is still frustrated that Agamemnon sits in his tent, safe, and receives all the praise and greater parts while the warriors never leave battle and they receive death.
Achilles agrees to return to battle, but will not "stand alongside Agamemnon," instead he fights for himself and for the goal of Greece.
The Embassy of Achilles was in-turn successful because they did convince him to consider returning to battle, but it did not convince him to re-trust Agamemnon, or take any of the offers King Agamemnon put forth. Achilles is a great character in this story and a major part of the Trojan War because he is loyal, worthy, and brave. His personality is not to take all he can, but to be a good man and serve for the greater good. After Achilles made his speech to the chiefs that sat in front of him, they all sat in silence because they were so shocked that Achilles was so independent and strong.
Bibliography: Homer's Iliad: The Embassy to Achilles (parts 1 and 2) retold by Alfred J. Church
Achilles listens intently and states that he will follow his heart with his decision; however, he is still frustrated that Agamemnon sits in his tent, safe, and receives all the praise and greater parts while the warriors never leave battle and they receive death.
Achilles agrees to return to battle, but will not "stand alongside Agamemnon," instead he fights for himself and for the goal of Greece.
The Embassy of Achilles was in-turn successful because they did convince him to consider returning to battle, but it did not convince him to re-trust Agamemnon, or take any of the offers King Agamemnon put forth. Achilles is a great character in this story and a major part of the Trojan War because he is loyal, worthy, and brave. His personality is not to take all he can, but to be a good man and serve for the greater good. After Achilles made his speech to the chiefs that sat in front of him, they all sat in silence because they were so shocked that Achilles was so independent and strong.
Bibliography: Homer's Iliad: The Embassy to Achilles (parts 1 and 2) retold by Alfred J. Church
Achilles from Wikimedia
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