Hey everyone, Book 24 is almost done. Sorry for the long wait, things have been crazy. You all know how it is, I'm sure. I expect to have it up by the end of the weekend. Thanks for your patience, I think you'll really like it!
There are two things about this chapter that I'm surprised you didn't mention. First, this chapter is the most god-like that we see Achilles. Acting as judge over, and offering prizes for winning, the sports competitions is directly analogous to the role the gods take in the war. Second, this is the chapter that shows Achilles finally getting his wish. He has a position of power over Agamemnon, like he wanted all along. That's why Patroclus had to die. Zeus could have easily arranged it so that Agamemnon would have humbled himself before Achilles. He could have sent a prophesy, manipulated him, or even made a direct order. That would have upended the "natural order" of Agamemnon being Achilles social superior, though. So the only way for Achilles to be the master for a day without a fatal loss of face to Agamemnon was for Achilles to preside over the funeral of Patroclus. That was why Patroclus had to die. Be careful what you wish for.
Wow. Wow. Wow. yeah, that’s incredible I’ve never thought of it like that before! I suppose for me the funeral games were overshadowed by the rest of the conflict, but you’re so right, it is a great image of him presiding like a god. His wish was not so much to be ruler over Agamemnon though, but to receive the eternal glory promised him that Agamemnon had been robbing him of. Also to your point, I believe Bernard Knox writes that this chapter can also be seen as what it would look like had Achilles had a long life ruling as a king, instead of dying here at Troy. Perhaps being aware of those remarks of his was also what kept me from noticing what you did. It’s incredible how many different layers you can find in this epic. No wonder it’s lasted as long as it has.
Yeah considering that we lost most of the epic cycle, it was probably written down at one point. But we will never hear more than what the Odyssey provides :(
Appreciate your videos. I just finished The Iliad and am waiting for your last video. I'm now on book 4 of The Odyssey which I understand you are doing next so please, do make haste. :)
Hey everyone, Book 24 is almost done. Sorry for the long wait, things have been crazy. You all know how it is, I'm sure. I expect to have it up by the end of the weekend. Thanks for your patience, I think you'll really like it!
There are two things about this chapter that I'm surprised you didn't mention. First, this chapter is the most god-like that we see Achilles. Acting as judge over, and offering prizes for winning, the sports competitions is directly analogous to the role the gods take in the war. Second, this is the chapter that shows Achilles finally getting his wish. He has a position of power over Agamemnon, like he wanted all along. That's why Patroclus had to die. Zeus could have easily arranged it so that Agamemnon would have humbled himself before Achilles. He could have sent a prophesy, manipulated him, or even made a direct order. That would have upended the "natural order" of Agamemnon being Achilles social superior, though. So the only way for Achilles to be the master for a day without a fatal loss of face to Agamemnon was for Achilles to preside over the funeral of Patroclus. That was why Patroclus had to die.
Be careful what you wish for.
Wow. Wow. Wow. yeah, that’s incredible I’ve never thought of it like that before! I suppose for me the funeral games were overshadowed by the rest of the conflict, but you’re so right, it is a great image of him presiding like a god. His wish was not so much to be ruler over Agamemnon though, but to receive the eternal glory promised him that Agamemnon had been robbing him of.
Also to your point, I believe Bernard Knox writes that this chapter can also be seen as what it would look like had Achilles had a long life ruling as a king, instead of dying here at Troy. Perhaps being aware of those remarks of his was also what kept me from noticing what you did.
It’s incredible how many different layers you can find in this epic. No wonder it’s lasted as long as it has.
I can only imagine how sad the new readers are when they realise there is no wooden horse in the Iliad haha
Haha! Gotta say though, It’s a shame we don’t have that part of the myth to read
Yeah considering that we lost most of the epic cycle, it was probably written down at one point. But we will never hear more than what the Odyssey provides :(
Appreciate your videos. I just finished The Iliad and am waiting for your last video.
I'm now on book 4 of The Odyssey which I understand you are doing next so please, do make haste. :)
@@NPRAlexHowell So glad to hear that! I'll get to work!
Isn't the horse in the Aeneid by Virgil?