menis

anger/wrath, typically applied only the the gods

aristeia

feats of excellence

kleos

fame

time

lit. 'price', value an individual has in his community and the honour they gain as a result

The Wrath of Achilles

-1st word, menis, sets tone/scope for the work

-Iliad is about the god-like anger of Achilles and the god-like deeds he performs as a result

Iliad= accounts of the aristeia of Achilles

The Iliad fits w/ the basic function of Greek Epics....

to commemorate/preserve the name and memory of famous indiiduals and their deeds

Heroic Values in Homer (Heroic code)

-heroes fight for fame (kleos) in the face of the inevitability of death as a means to gain a limited 2nd hand form of immortality

-this fame (kleos) results from the value (time) an individual has and the honour they gain as a result

-for the Homeric hero the evaluation of this reputation is highly dependnet on material goods; prizes a hero wins in battle are the physical representation and proof of his valorous deeds 

Iliad Book 12 276-96

3 Sources of Conflict in Iliad Book 1

(1) Breakdown of Peaceful Modes of Exchange

(2) Disrespect of the Gods

(3) Competition for Recognition and Status

Responsibility for the Conflict

Agamemnon- threatening heroic code by his actions

Achilles- opposing commanding officer in time of war; order in Homeric world was one of hierarchy and to oppose one's leader is to threaten/undermine the very basis of social order

Double Determination (w/ in the context of the Iliad)

every important action in the Homeric epics has both a huma and a divine cause

(ex. Athena pysically prevents Achilles from killing Agamemnon, but also uses persuasion, through this persuasion Achilles makes his choice not to kill Agamemnon)

Philia

-social bond whereby individuals receive and give favours and aid to one other, bond is pragmatic not emotional

(ex. Achilles' appeal to Thetis and Thetis' to Zeus)