Thetis

Structure and form were of great concern to the ancient Greeks. This can be seen from the many conventions that are found in a Greek epic. These epics are long stories or poems that are spoken in hexameter. This paper will discuss the gods and heroes, who are prominent figures in epics. It will also describe the theme of an epic, what the setting of an epic entails, and the major events in an epic, how epics use extended similes, and what it means for an epic to begin in medias res. The theme of…

This myth recalled a beauty contest in which goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and Athena were participating. The contest arose when all the gods and goddesses other than the goddess Eris, were gathered at a wedding for Peleus and Thetis. Goddess of discoed, Eris was turned away from the wedding and in a fit of rage; Eris caused a commotion and tossed around a golden apple which was labeled “for the most beautiful”. Zeus was asked to mediate the uproar. He ordered Hermes to lead Hera…

The development of the epic Iliad is highlighted within the characters, plot and setting of the story which is written at a different time than the story took place. One of the most important characters of the story, Achilles follows that trend of character development throughout the plot. His role as a warrior of the Greeks under the authority of Agamemnon is constantly challenged throughout the epic and ultimately shapes the outcome of the Trojan War. Achilles role as a Greek hero during the…

A common assumption is that the Iliad is merely a tale that celebrates the conquests of great warriors who create legacies for themselves and their families. In reality, beneath the idea of a legacy is a negative side. The epic poem is written so that the famous are the ones who experience the greatest misery because they are trapped by public opinion. In the Iliad, Homer subverts the ancient Greek trope that legacies are crucial to a fulfilling life. One of the most complex characters in the…

The presence of Nymphs in Greek literature and religion is everywhere; from whom people pray to, to the way they impact the stories of authors, and all the way to impacting how people speak like Socrates and Homer. Describing what a nymph is however, is a very difficult process. In Greek literature and religion, the main way of identifying a nymph is the formula “Daughter of Asopos” (Larson 4). Other common ways of identifying these divine beings are if they are the daughter of Zeus or other…

In the books The David Story, and The Iliad have connections that are similar but very different between humans and their god. In each case, we read the differences between their relationships with their god. In The David Story, David turns to Yahweh for advice, reassurance, and in some instances, desires Yahweh to intervene. Whereas in The Iliad, Achilles is overseen by the god of wisdom and military victory, Athena. The relationship between David and Yahweh was forever existing, while Achilles…

Greek and Jewish society have been the basis for the development of modern Western civilization. Although certain aspects of each society were similar (ex. The quest for intellectual development), the diverging foci of both societies, the Judaic emphasis on spiritual needs/cleansing versus the Hellenic prioritization of physical desires (ex. Revenge), affected not only societal and religious practices, but also the interpretation of heroism in each culture (spirit versus flesh). Generally, Greek…

When one says the name Prometheus, most people recall vague details from the old Greek myth of the titan god who stole fire. Some may have only even heard the name Prometheus from seeing the movie of the same name about space voyagers. However, the most important version of Prometheus' story in literature is the classical Greek play Prometheus Bound by Ӕschylus. It tells the story of Prometheus standing up to Zeus on behalf of humanity. Prometheus endures Zeus' punishments and becomes a hero…

Homer’s Iliad is a portrayal of a momentous battle fought by magnificent warriors. This battle has raged for nine years, this story taking place in its tenth. The fighters are fearless warriors, each with some legend of their own. Many are renowned on both sides of the war: Achilles, the “swift running” warrior of the Greeks, or Achaeans, and Hector the “last defence” of the Trojans. the Iliad focuses on the trials and tribulations of these, and other, warriors. Though they are certainly…

together as a group you can conquer, solve and learn from one another. Human interaction is also important for sanity and our abilities to understand our purpose/fate. However in The Iliad, Achilles son of the mortal Peleus (father) and the sea nymph Thetis (mother) seems to believe that he does not need anyone but himself. Achilles has this belief…