Reading Diary B: Homer's Iliad

Of the latter half of the reading unit Homer's Iliad, I was particularly struck by the Ransoming of Hector. In ancient Grecian culture, burial was a particularly important sacrament. Burial was seen as a basic human right, and the denial of a proper burial for the dead was viewed as a complete lack of respect for human dignity.

Achilles dragging Hector's body by his chariot (Book Illustration)

In this context Achilles treatment of Hector's body was immoral, disgraceful, and an act of complete irreverence for Greek custom. Dishonoring the burial right was seen as a serious offense, and would be likely to anger the gods. The vision created in the story of Achilles strutting around with Hector's body dragging from the back of a chariot is grotesque and directly in contrast to Grecian custom. (The Slaying of Hector- end) It is evidence to me of Achilles pride and also the depth of his rage and grief for his friend Patroclus.

I expected to find that Zeus would be angrier with Achilles than he was, however perhaps the portrayal of Zeus's anger as somewhat mild is a testament to how well loved Achilles was by the gods.

I thought that the scene depicting Priam pleading with Achilles to ransom Hector was particularly moving (The Ransoming of Hector). I think it was particularly interesting that Achilles wept when Priam approached him because it gives him a more human quality. Although it is evident that Achilles dearly loves his slain friend Patroclus, prior to this point he seems to feel no compassion towards anyone else. This scene added depth to Achilles' character by showing that he was capable of compassion and of feeling empathy for even his enemies.