Sing the Rage (Iliad Introduction Part 1)

Written by St. Athanasius in the 4th century, 'On the Incarnation' is an apologetic treatise that defends the incarnation of Christ against non-believers. Athanasius explains that the Word of God became incarnate to save fallen humanity, arguing that this act was necessary to undo the corruption of sin and restore humanity to its original state in the image of God. The book relies heavily on Scripture and the teachings of the early Church, addressing various objections to the incarnation and emphasizing the divine and human natures of Christ.

Edith Hamilton's 'Mythology' is a definitive guide to the myths of Western culture, covering Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. The book is divided into several sections, including the gods, creation and early heroes, stories of love and adventure, the great heroes of the Trojan War, and lesser myths. It also includes a brief section on Norse mythology. Hamilton's work brings these ancient stories to life, highlighting their influence on art, literature, and cultural inquiry from antiquity to the present. The book serves both as a reference text for scholars and a readable guide for general audiences.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf. The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats. After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.

The Aeneid, written by Virgil between 29 and 19 BC, is a monumental work of classical literature. It follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he navigates from the ruins of Troy to Italy, where he is destined to found the city of Lavinium, a precursor to Rome. The poem is divided into 12 books, with the first six detailing Aeneas' wanderings and the second six describing the war in Italy against the Latins. The epic incorporates various legends and mythological elements, glorifying traditional Roman virtues and legitimizing the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It explores themes such as duty, fate, and the relationship between the individual and society, and has had a profound influence on Western literature.

Black Ships Before Troy is a retelling of the Trojan War, adapted from Homer's Iliad for children. The story follows the events from the birth of Paris to the construction of the Trojan Horse. It includes the key figures of the war, such as Achilles, Odysseus, and Hector, and explores themes of passion, pride, and revenge. The book is illustrated by Alan Lee and is praised for its compelling vision, sensitivity to language, and powerful storytelling.

Robert Drews's "The End of the Bronze Age" explores the societal transformations and military changes that led to the catastrophic collapse of Bronze Age civilizations around 1200 B.C. Drews examines the role of warfare and technological advancements in this period of upheaval. He analyzes the decline of major empires and the emergence of new power structures. The book provides a detailed analysis of the military strategies and technological innovations of the time. Drews's work offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contributed to the Bronze Age collapse.

Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy' is an epic poem that journeys through the realms of the afterlife: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Heaven). Guided first by the Roman poet Virgil and later by his idealized Beatrice, Dante explores the spiritual and moral nature of humanity. The poem is rich with allegorical and symbolic meaning, reflecting medieval theology, philosophy, and political thought. Through vivid imagery and profound introspection, Dante critiques earthly corruption and aspires to divine understanding. 'Divine Comedy' remains a cornerstone of Italian literature and a seminal work in the Western canon, influencing art, literature, and thought for centuries.

The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector.

In 'Who Killed Homer? ', Victor Davis Hanson and John Heath explore the decline of classical education in modern times. They argue that the neglect of classical studies has led to a loss of understanding of the foundational ideas of Western civilization. The authors advocate for a revival of classical education to restore the cultural and intellectual heritage of Greece and Rome.