IF...

Chapter Zero:

If you were to change one event or chapter from the Iliad, and replace it with your own story, what chapter or episode will that be?

Write your “version” of the story.

Narrate how it will affect the entire story or ending of the Iliad.

The Death of Patroclus

The death of Patroclus seems to more central to the eventual demise of Hector and the surrender of Troy, as it was his death which fueled Achilles to take on Hector and the Trojans.

If Patroclus did not disobey Achilles’ orders to withdraw immediately once the Achaean ships were secure, he would not have fallen victim to the intervention of the Olympian gods (Apollo) who took sides in the battle of the Trojans and the Myrmidon-Achaeans.

He would not have died, nor would his body be left in the field by Hector. There would have been less number of men lost in the Myrmidon-Achaean side.

He would have been alive and the final battle leading to the surrender of Troy would have involved him and Achilles.

Had the comrades faced Hector in battle, anything could happen – either a bloody end to the Trojans or a shaky truce between the Trojans and Myrmidon-Achaeans, possibly with the Myrmidon-Achaeans calling the shots.

Why these hypothetical circumstances will not happen

In Greek mythology and values, it appears that valiantry and adherence to strict military code are strongly emphasized, with the somewhat distorted perception of heroism, meaning that a hero/warrior must always be willing to die.

The ancient Greeks also followed a very strict tradition of compulsory burial or cremation for fallen warriors, hence this explains Achilles’ grit (Book 18) to reclaim the body of Patroclus from Trojan soil.

Hence it is not surprising that the Iliad strives to paint a picture of blood-lust and revenge, and that the most valiant warriors were always meant to be sacrificed. A warrior who fights till the end is automatically a hero and will never lose face, even to his enemy.

Another aspect of the ancient Greek value system is the concept of divine intervention, or simply the meddling with human life by Olympian gods. This is shown in Book 20, where Zeus lifts the ban on the gods’ meddling with human activity, where the aggrieved and enraged Achilles rampages the Trojans. Perhaps it was Homer’s way to make the story a bit more exciting….as even elements in the environment take a mind of their own to try to put down the rage of Achilles, eg. The river Skamandros protesting how Achilles dumped the Trojans he killed into its waters, and how a firestorm quells it down.

Overall, had Patroclus not met his death at the gates of Troy, it would have modified somewhat the events leading to the ending of the Iliad. Very likely, because of sheer numbers of characters on the side of the Myrmidons-Achaeans, the Trojans will eventually surrender. But the things that will always be present in the story are the bloody battle scenes and the recurrent meddling by the gods in human affairs.

PATROCLUS

3. PATROCLOS (also: Patroclus) a. What could be the possible “reactions” of both the Trojan and Greek army when they realized that it was Patroclus who was killed? Give a narration for both sides. b. Based on these reactions, who was Patroclus as a warrior, and as a man?

Patroclus

First of all, who is Patroclus?

Patroclus was the son of Menoetius and was Achilles’ beloved comrade and lover. He is on the side of the Greeks led by Achilles.

Although most warriors fought for personal fame or their city state, Achilles emphasizes his relationship with Patroclus above all else. He dreams that all Greeks would die so that he and Patroclus might gain the fame of conquering Troy alone.

Achilles sent out Patroclus into the battlefield. Why? Because Achilles still don’t want to fight. The Trojans including Hector turned their back when Patroclus entered into the war. He was able to kill many Trojans despite of his limited skills. But later on he was killed by Hector. The Trojans rejoiced for this kill but moments later they found out that it was not Achilles who died but Patroclus.

The Greeks mourned for the death of Patroclus. They also realized that this happening can lead to a war. Patroclus was Achilles’ comrade and he might revenge for his death. Achilles agonized by touching his dead body, smearing himself with ash, and fasting. He laments Patroclus' death using language very similar to that later used by Andromache of Hector. Achilles returns to the battlefield with the aim of avenging himself upon Hector, Patroclus' killer, even though the Gods had warned him that it would cost him his life.

For me, Patroclus was a courageous warrior. He fought for the Achaeans without having second thoughts. He is a determined person and has a strong principle in life. That’s what makes him a glorious warrior. The Achaean army was lucky to have him and his legacy will remain forever. He will not be removed in the minds and hearts of the Greeks. He is someone to be proud of by the Achaean army.

ACHILLES

2. Create an insightful Character Analysis for ACHILLES as illustrated in books 7-12.
• What kind of warrior was he, especially in Book 9?
• Are his decisions appropriate for a king like him? Why? Why not?

Brad Pitt as Achilles in the movie Troy

ACHILLES

Achilles was the greatest hero of the Trojan War and the central character of Homer’s epic poem Iliad. He is the only son of the mortal King of Phthia Peleus and a seanymph named Thetis. Achilles possesses superhuman strength and has a close relationship with the gods. He has all the marks of a great warrior. He is the mightiest man in the Achaean army but his negative/ hidden side hinders his ability to act with nobility and integrity. He cannot control his pride and anger. This attribute poisons him that he abandons his comrades and even prays that the Trojans will slaughter them all because he has been slighted at the hands of his commander Agamemnon. Achilles is driven primarily by a thirst for glory. Part of him yearns to live a long, easy life but he knows that his personal fate forces him to choose between the two. Ultimately, he is willing to sacrifice everything else so that his name will be remembered.

In Book 9, Agamemnon offered Achilles gifts because the Achaean army was losing against the Trojans. Nestor advised Agamemnon to ask forgiveness to Achilles for Achilles might be their last chance for vengeance. Agamemnon listened to him and agreed. He sent Odysseus, big Aias, Odios, Eurybates and Phoinix to talk about his offer to Achilles. But Achilles did not accept any of Agamemnon’s offers. This makes me jump into the conclusion that Achilles is unforgiving. He doesn’t want to fight even though his comrades need him. To make it simple, he only thinks of himself and he doesn’t have any concern/regard for others. And this is what we call being selfish. His pride and ego was too much. One evidence for this is when he said that Hector can’t fight back at him.

For me, his decisions as a king were not appropriate. His decisions became inappropriate because of his judgments, pride and anger. He should possess the qualities of wisdom, knowledge and counsel when making decisions. Again, he should not only think of himself but for the common good. That’s the real mark of a true king!

ALL ABOUT HERA

Hera’s attitude is a perfect example of “impartiality/fairness/equality in battle.”
· Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
· Cite examples from books 1-5 of the Iliad that prove your stand.

First of all, who is Hera?

Hera was the wife and older sister of Zeus. Hera's mother was Rhea and her father was Cronus. She is considered as “Queen of the Gods”.

HERA

(QUEEN OF THE GODS)

I don’t agree that Hera is fair, partial and equal when it comes to battle. Hera is known for her jealous and vengeful nature.

Here are the proofs on my stand:


Book I- Hera addresses Zeus and taunts him for making secret plans because she is concerned that the Greeks, whom she favors, will be slighted. Zeus tells Hera to mind her own business, but Hera guesses Thetis' request and predicts the deaths of many Greeks as a result of it.

Book II- Hera, upset at seeing this, approaches Athena and tells her to go to Troy and convince the Greeks to stay. Athena goes to Odysseus and tells him that this is not the way it should be, encouraging him to stop the fleeing army.

Book III- None mentioned in Book 3

Book IV- Hera gets very angry at the prospect of the Greeks being slighted, Zeus becomes very upset with Hera and asks her if she remembers all the sacrifices the Trojans have made on her behalf and tells her to do as she pleases but to beware.

Hera offers the Greek cities of Argos, Sparta and Mycenae in exchange and appeals to Zeus so that they may yield to each other.

Book V- Athena and Hera dress for battle to aid the Greeks and descend to the field in a chariot. Hera drives the chariot to Diomedes and Athena mocks him in an attempt to lift his spirit.