Stop! Homer Time: The Iliad - Episodes 3 & 4 (Books 5-9)
Mar 30, 2024
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The podcast delves into Ancient Greece with a new translation of The Iliad. Gods intervene in battle, new heroes emerge, and conflicts abound. Achilles' presence is felt as Zeus presides over the struggling Greeks. Intense combat, friendships formed, and strategic maneuvers set the stage for gripping confrontations.
01:45:40
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Quick takeaways
Zeus asserts dominance over gods in Trojan War, highlighting divine power dynamics.
Trojans and Greeks mourn losses, prepare for brief ceasefire amidst nightfall.
Achilles rejects Agamemnon's peace offerings, remains steadfast in anger and seclusion.
Divine tensions rise as gods navigate influence and authority in looming conflict.
Deep dives
Zeus's Intervention and Lecture
Zeus calls a halt to the gods' interference in the Trojan War, asserting his dominance and warning them about the consequences of defying him. He uses scales to weigh the fates of the Trojans and the Greeks, favoring the Trojans to Agamemnon's dismay. Athena dons Zeus's armor to challenge his authority, leading to a tense confrontation that showcases Zeus's supreme power.
Wall-Building and Trojan Restraint
The Greeks inexplicably decide to construct fortifications overnight, a sudden shift in strategy that surprises the Trojans. Amidst the night, the Trojans halt their attacks and opt to build funeral pyres for their dead. The impending pause in fighting sets a somber tone as both sides mourn their losses and prepare for the coming hiatus.
Tension Among the Gods
Hera seeks a challenger to take a stand against Zeus, leading Athena to confront the king of the gods with fiery resolve. Zeus reminds the gods of his unparalleled power and demands that they adhere to his will. The divine tensions simmer as the gods navigate a delicate balance of influence and authority in the looming conflict.
The Calm Before the Storm
As night falls early and the fires illuminate the battlefield, a temporary peace settles over the war-torn land. The Trojans and Greeks face a moment of respite, reflecting on the events and losses that have transpired, while preparing for the inevitable resumption of hostilities. The stage is set for the next phase of the war as both sides brace for the challenges ahead.
Agamemnon Considers Leaving Troy
Agamemnon, after facing defeat, contemplates leaving Troy, frustrated by the situation. The wise Nestor urges unity among the Greeks to prevent disaster. Nestor eventually convinces Agamemnon to make amends with Achilles, offering him multiple gifts, including women skilled in crafts and promised lands, as a peace offering to turn the tide of the war.
Achilles' Unyielding Wrath
Achilles remains unmoved by the offers made by Agamemnon and his emissaries, expressing his deep-seated anger and betrayal. Despite Phoenix and Odysseus' impassioned pleas and reminders of past good deeds, Achilles refuses to reconcile, emphasizing his resolve to remain in seclusion.
Potential Return of Achilles to Battle
As Agamemnon and Achilles remain at an impasse, the discussion shifts to the eventual return of Achilles to the battlefield. The talk centers on strategies to entice Achilles back into the conflict, including the option of waiting until the direst moment, with the hope that Achilles will rejoin the fight to avenge the death of Patroclus. The episode concludes with preparations for the upcoming battles and tensions brewing among the Greek forces.
For our latest show-within-a-show, we'll revisit Ancient Greece through Emily Wilson's new translation of Homer's The Iliad. We'll be reading it a few books at a time and having a more in-depth chat about it than we do about most books. These two episodes cover Books 5-9.
Episode 3: These three books include: gods intervening directly on the battlefield, a new Greek hero emerging, the Trojan hero getting a boost from Ares, Hector's wife and son, and a duel with no resolution. It's action packed but also somewhat restful? (Books 5-7)
Episode 4: A lot of folks in these two books remembering that Achilles exists. Zeus presides over more fighting, and it's going poorly for the Greeks. So poorly that Agamemnon tries to make good with Achilles but man that guy knows how to be mad, huh?? (Books 8-9)