Rage In The Odyssey

In book one of Iliad, Homer characterizes rage as disastrous and destructive. In the Greek world rage in a way happens when one party dishonors, shames or discredits another party. Homer gives a distinct explanation and uses different words to describe rage in book one. He reveals that Agamemnon’s bad leadership and rage towards the priest, Apollo, Achilles and Zeus causes the Achaeans to suffer a lot. Agamemnon first huge mistake came when he refused to give back the priest of Apollo’s daughter back. Homer writes, “[Apollo] cut them down in droves--- and the corpse- fire burned on, night and day, no end in sight.” (1.59,60). This is the consequences that Agamemnon and the Achaean armies have to pay for. Apollo’s priest comes to Agamemnon with ransoms, begs and shows a lot of dignity to the army. …show more content…
Despite all that, Agamemnon spurn the priest in a humiliating way. He also sends threats to the priest and told him that,” don’t tempt my wrath—and you may depart alive.” (1.36,37) and that’s when Apollo “quake[s] with rage “(1.53) and answers Chryses’s prayer. Agamemnon second huge mistake comes later in the book. Homer writes,” …. to take Briseis in all her beauty, your own prize—so you can learn just how much greater I am than you …. From hoping to rival Agamemnon strength for strength!” (1.18,19,21). Agamemnon decides that he wants Briseis, the swift runner Achilles ’s war wife if Apollo takes back Chrysies back to her father. But Brilliant Achilles was not taking Agamemnon nonsense talks and they almost have a huge clash. Homer writes “[Agamemnon] broke off and anguish grip[s] Achilles.” (1.22) that leads to Athena, and Hera stopping the incident from occurring. Homer uses the word anguish to deeply express Agamemnon rage and distress towards Achilles for trying to challenge