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Notably, Homer’s Iliad is the oldest extant work of Greek literature. Schein (2022) emphasizes that the artifact is most likely the outcome of extraordinarily sophisticated procedures that involved both orality and writing, resulting in the creation of a fixed manuscript in the late eighth century. In historical terms, the heroic period depicted in Homeric epic belongs to the late Bronze Age, the era of the closing phases of “the Mycenaean civilization on the Greek mainland” (Schein, 2022, p. 5). The end of this period, c. 1200, corresponds to 1184, the date acknowledged by subsequent Greek chronographers for the destruction of Troy (Schein, 2022). It also aligns with the date of the collapse of one of the towns whose remains have been discovered in a superimposed layer by archaeologists at the historical site of Troy, located near the Hellespont in northwestern Turkey. Thus, the paper will examine the connection between myth and history to comprehend Greek civilization through Homeric poetry.
Essentially, the Iliad does not attempt to describe the social and political institutions of late Bronze Age civilization with historical accuracy. Nonetheless, Schein (2022) claims that it appears to have been inspired by, at the very least, patterns, themes, and ideals shared with Hittite and other Mesopotamian literary writings. Chronicling the exploits of ancient Greece’s legendary heroes connects literature to history. Homer outlines his topic, notably Achilles’ fury and its consequences, and seeks the muse’s assistance so that he can correctly relate the event (Johnston, 2010). The reader is then transported to the beginning of the dilemma, where the Iliad’s narrative truly commences: amid the Trojan War.
The Achaian army kidnapped two enemy maidens, Chryseis and Briseis, in one of their frequent attacks on places near Troy. The warriors gave these women to Agamemnon, the army’s commanding officer, and Achilles, the Achaians’ best warrior. Chryses, who is Chryseis’ father, begs for her release, but Agamemnon refuses; as a result, Chryses asks god Apollo to help: “So Chryses prayed. Phoebus Apollo heard him” (Johnston, 2010, line 44). The day Chryses arrives at the Greek camp is followed by nine days of plague. For instance, Apollo curses the troops with “a deadly infectious evil” because Agamemnon insults him (Johnston, 2010, lines 11-12). Therefore, Book I demonstrates the essence of the gods and men’s interaction. When Agamemnon refuses to return Chryseis, Apollo sends his arrows to afflict the Achaians, symbolizing plague.
Afterward, enraged by Agamemnon, Achilles draws his sword and prepares to murder the Achaian ruler. Athena reacts and calms the agitated Achilles, symbolizing reason ruling the will: “I came down from heaven to curb your passion if you obey” (Johnston, 2010, lines 207-208). Ultimately, Achilles’ goddess mother, Thetis, urges Zeus to punish Agamemnon and the Achaians for their acts towards her son. Zeus agrees and starts the series of Trojan victories. His choice causes a fight among the gods, which ironically mirrors the Greeks’ debate.
The first conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles in Book I happens simultaneously with the disagreement between Zeus and Hera. The dispute between the gods devolves into a comical spectacle that, unfortunately, emphasizes the gravity of human conflict and war. Initially, Achilles’ indignation appears to be a legitimate reaction to Agamemnon’s pride. Nevertheless, as the poem unfolds, it becomes evident that righteous indignation can devolve into trivial bitterness or rise into uncontrolled hatred. Both Agamemnon and Achilles fear that the judgments regarding the female prisoners, Chryseis and Briseis, jeopardize their dignity. Consequently, it may be stated that pride and dignity were significant ideals to the Greeks, mainly because they affected the public’s opinion.
Homer used the gods to provide spectacular, nearly allegoric explanations for natural occurrences and acts. Additionally, he convincingly demonstrates that the gods play a significant part in human events. Both Apollo and Zeus deliberately seek harsh retribution, the punishment that appears to be far worse than the offense justified in both circumstances. The gods’ participation implies that this interaction is linked to human destiny. Dunn (2020) claims that The Greeks found an explanation for their brutal world in the history of the Trojan War. Even respectable scholars in antiquity were inclined to believe that this war occurred (Dunn, 2020). The Iliad depicts war scenes as unpleasant and violent; it demonstrates that capturing Troy would result in mass death, robbery, and women’s and children’s enslavement.
To summarize, there is a connection between myth and history in ancient Greece and the value of comprehending Greek society through Homeric poetry. The myth of the Trojan War left an indelible mark on the Greeks. Whether it was prompted by a long-ago conflict or was just an inventive creation, it left its impression on the globe and continues to be of colossal historical significance (Dunn, 2020). The Iliad’s objective is to chronicle the exploits of a national hero, Achilles. The Greeks valued honor, dignity, and glory after death since tremendous valor in combat was what made them heroes. Hence, Homer’s use of facts, however fictionalized, contributed to the formation of the Greek civilization and culture.
References
Dunn, D. (2020). From Homer’s Odyssey to Alexander Pope, it has been a source of fascination over the centuries. But was the ancient war a grim reality or pure myth? Daisy Dunn weighs up the evidence. BBC. Web.
Johnston, I. (Trans.). (2010). Homer: Iliad Book I. Vancouver Island University.
Schein, S. L. (Ed.). (2022). Homer: Iliad Book I. Cambridge University Press.
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