Characteristic for Homeric combat, some of the fighting focuses around the bodies of fallen warriors, whom their comrades want to secure but the enemy want to despoil l.
The remainder of the description focuses on agriculture. Agriculture was central to all pre-industrial societies, and it is something that we, with our modern way of life, should always try to keep in mind. Homer describes how Hephaestus adds fertile farmland, worked by many labourers.
He also included the temenos of a king l. Under a tree, heralds have slaughtered an ox and prepare a feast ll. The god also includes a vineyard l. And here, Homer again adds conflict to an otherwise peaceful scene: two fierce lions have managed to capture one of the oxen. A gruesome death, to be sure, and one that contrasts greatly with the idyllic scene of fruit-picking girls and youths only a few lines earlier, and the next scene of young men and girls dancing ll.
Death, or the threat of death, always seems to hover over life. Articles Podcast Interviews Videos Photos. Homer tells us Iliad —, as per the Chicago Homer : First of all he forged a shield that was huge and heavy, elaborating it about, and threw around it a shining triple rim that glittered, and the shield strap was cast of silver.
Homer was born circa BC in Greece, which is where he also died, around BC, however, historians are uncertain of the exact dates. Auden in and J. The Iliad influenced not only poems and literature but also social history.
An interpretation of the Shield of Achilles by Angelo Monticelli c. Public Domain. Achilles had loaned his armor to his friend Patroclus to fight against Hector of the Trojans. Hector would kill Patroclus and take Achilles' armor for himself - a sign of disrespect in ancient Greece. After Achilles lost his armor and his friend to the hands of Hector, it fueled a wave of anger within Achilles. They have my armour. There were five folds composing the shield itself, and upon it, he elaborated many things in his skill and craftsmanship.
It was culturally crucial for Achilles to defend his honor and kill the man that took his prized armor and shield. Primarily because of Achilles' status as a notable warrior, any sign of weakness could affect how his troops and society viewed his leadership. These eight circles created by Hephaestus are believed to showcase and represent contemporary Greek society, with the idea that this society is made up of happy people.
Having fields of crops is vital for any society to flourish and thrive, and crime is inevitable, including stealing. Similar to plowing fields of grain, grapes and vineyards were essential to ancient Greek society and they are represented in the fifth circle. The sixth circle portrays the darker side of society. The dogs could protect their masters, but neither were able to protect the bull.
Homer writes:. Detail of lions attacking a bull on the Shield of Achilles, The seventh circle highlights a sheep farm, while the eighth and largest circle showcases a dance floor. In ancient Greece armor was a symbol of honor and status, and shields made with more precious metals provided their owners with more respect.
A warrior stripped of their armor was also thought to have been stripped of their honor — which explains why Achilles was so distraught over his loss. In order for a society to thrive, it needs both warriors and farmers - people need to be both fed and protected. It also shows that society can alternate between war and peace and that some parts of society are complicated and difficult while others are fruitful and happy. Detail of one of the outer circle on the Shield of Achilles, The Trojans and the Greeks fought against each other in the Trojan War and it appears as though Homer believes that the Greeks fought for their honor and glory, while the Trojans fought for their safety.
This is a critical reminder that humans are not gods and life is not guaranteed. He begins with twenty hot bellows and fires bronze, tin, gold, and silver in his kiln. He then proceeds to hammer the metals upon his anvil to create a massive shield for Achilles to wield. The shield itself is made of five layers of metal with a triple-ply shield strap edging on the rim. Once Hephaestus completes the shield he makes a breastplate and helmet for Achilles.
The armor he forges is indestructible and worthy of a god. The two cities depicted on the shield represent a city in Greece and Troy.
One of the cities is filled with men dancing and singing and brides marching through the streets, while the other is circled by an army. This army has two plans which split their ranks: to share the riches which they have captured or plunder the city and capture more. Turmoil surrounds each city. In one a quarrel breaks out and is brought to justice. Surrounding the other, two armies fight along the river banks killing men and dragging off the dead.
Both cities are tainted with death, and both houses love. In the former two men quarrel over the blood price for a murdered kinsman and take their case to a judge to decide the outcome. In the latter, children and housewives stand guard as the men march out to war. This scene is analogous to the Trojans leaving to fight the Achaeans between their shores and the city.
Bountiful harvests of ripe grain are reaped and bound, and the king stands in silence rejoicing among the endless bundle of barley. An ox is being prepared for the harvest feast while the women fix the midday meal.
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