Edith Hall, a Professor at Durham University and an expert on ancient Greek literature, dives deep into the world of 'The Iliad.' She discusses its rich themes of war, honor, and the heartbreaking impact of heroism through figures like Achilles and Hector. Their emotional connections are explored, particularly the bond between Achilles and Patroclus. Hall highlights how the epic reflects ancient values and resonates with today's environmental concerns, making it a timeless narrative that continues to influence modern culture.
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insights INSIGHT
The Iliad's Significance
The Iliad, an ancient Greek epic poem, covers 40 days of the Trojan War.
Written in dactylic hexameter, it became a cornerstone of education for over a millennium.
insights INSIGHT
The Iliad's Enduring Legacy
The Iliad's longevity stems from its role in ancient Greek education and its widespread dissemination.
Its revival in the 21st century makes it as familiar as the Odyssey.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Iliad in Ancient Education
Young Athenian aristocrats memorized the entire Iliad.
It served as a cultural encyclopedia, guiding everything from sacrifices to warfare.
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Epic of the Earth, Reading Homer's Iliad in the Fight for a Dying World
Epic of the Earth, Reading Homer's Iliad in the Fight for a Dying World
Reading Homer's Iliad in the Fight for a Dying World
Edith Hall
Achilles in Vietnam
Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character
Jonathan Shay
In this book, Dr. Jonathan Shay examines the psychological devastation of war by drawing parallels between the experiences of Achilles in Homer's Iliad and those of Vietnam veterans. Shay, a psychiatrist who has worked extensively with Vietnam War veterans, argues that the psychological wounds of warriors transcend time and culture. He explores themes such as the betrayal of moral values during warfare, the intense grief and anger resulting from the loss of comrades, the descent into a 'berserk' state, and the challenges of homecoming. The book highlights the importance of understanding and healing the psychological trauma incurred by soldiers and emphasizes the need for communal support in their recovery[2][4][5].
The Iliad
Homer
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[1][3][5].
A story of war, honour, and destiny, The Iliad is one of the greatest epics in history. Written by Homer and featuring legendary figures like Achilles, Hector, and Agamemnon, it captures the drama and devastation of the final days of the Trojan War.
In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Edith Hall to explore the origins, themes, and lasting influence of The Iliad. Together, they dive into the poem’s portrayal of fate and prophecy, its vivid depictions of gods and warriors, and the explosive conflict between Achilles and Hector. Edith also reveals how The Iliad’s language carries an apocalyptic tone - offering insight into how the poem was understood in the ancient world and why it still resonates today.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds
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