The Trojan War

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The Trojan War

• The Unifying Tapestry of the Greek Poleis

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First Thread Sparta
Leda the wife of king Tyndareus was raped by
Zeus in the form of a swan. She gave birth to
four children two sets of twins. One of each
pair of twins was divine the child of Zeus. The
other was mortal the child of Tyndareus.
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First Thread Sparta
Zeus granted them alternate immortality each
would live but on alternate days. They are still
shown together though worshipped as protective
deities of seafaring and patron gods of the
historical Sparta. They are the constellation
Gemini (the twins).
One pair of twins was the dioscuri (Zeuss
boys) Castor and Polydeuces (a.k.a.
Pollux). When Castor the mortal brother was
killed Polydeuces the immortal one prayed to
die with him.
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The twin girls were Clytemnestra the mortal one
and Helen the daughter of Zeus. Helen is a
figure of cult in the Greek world but in
literature she is not treated as immortal.
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First Thread Sparta
Helen was so beautiful that all of the eligible
young men of Greece wanted to marry
her. Tyndareus was afraid that those who were
disappointed would try to take Helen by force
from the man who married her. So he made all the
suitors swear an oath to support Helens husband
and restore Helen to him if they were ever
separated.
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Second Thread Thetis
When Prometheus was released he prophesied to
Zeus that the sea-nymph Thetis would bear a son
greater than his father. Zeus decided to marry
Thetis to a mortal. That mortal was Peleus who
captured her on a distant island as she changed
shape trying to escape him. Their wedding was
attended by all the gods and goddesses except
one.
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Second Thread Thetis
Eris the goddess of discord was not invited.
She came anyway throwing down a golden apple
inscribed For the most beautiful. Athena
Aphrodite and Hera instantly all claimed the
prize.
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Third Thread Paris
Zeus declared that the only way to determine who
really deserved the prize was to ask someone
totally naive a young shepherd boy in Asia
named Paris. Paris however wasnt really just a
young shepherd. His parents were Priam and
Hecuba king and queen of Troy. When he was
born Hecuba had dreamed that she had birthed a
firebrand and they exposed him to ward off the
evil omen.
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Third Thread Paris
The goddesses all offered bribes. Hera offered
kingly power Athena offered victory in war and
Aphrodite offered marriage with the worlds most
beautiful woman.
Paris chose Aphrodite. The only problem was
the most beautiful woman Helen of Sparta was
already married.
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Third Thread Paris
Paris (now suddenly accepted back into his birth
family as a prince of Troy) went on a grand tour
visiting other aristocrats in Greece. When he
visited Menelaus he left with his hosts wife
a serious violation of xenia guest-friendship.
Menelaus called on the other Greek princes to
obey their oath and protect his marital
rights. The Trojan War was underway.
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Second Thread Thetis
Meanwhile Peleus and Thetis had had an
extraordinary son Achilles. With an absentee
sea-goddess mother he was raised by the centaur
Chiron.
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Second Thread Thetis
But Odysseus found him and Thetis was forced to
let him go. Besides one of the girls hed been
hiding among was already pregnant.
When Thetis heard that Menelaus was calling
together an army to get Helen back she feared
for her mortal son already a brilliant warrior.
She told him her prophecy Either he would lead
a long happy but obscure life at home or he
would go to Troy and die young. Achilles wanted
to go to Troy. Thetis tried to hide Achilles
from the Greek recruiters by disguising him as
a girl.
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The Trojans
Priam was the king of Troy Hecuba his queen.
Priam had 50 sons of whom 12 were by
Hecuba. Hector the oldest son was the citys
best warrior and military commander. His wife
was Andromache and they had a young son
Astyanax. Aeneas (son of Aphrodite and Anchises)
was a cousin who came to assist.
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The Greeks
Ajax (the Greater) was the best warrior after
Achilles. Chalchas was the Greeks prophet.
The Greeks also called Achaeans were led by
Agamemnon Menelaus brother. Achilles was the
youngest man there accompanied by his best
friend Patroclus and a childhood tutor
Phoenix. Odysseus king of Ithaca had not wanted
to come but he was obliged by his oath. Nestor
the oldest warrior was known for wise counsel.
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Sources Homers Iliad
The Iliad was required reading for school
children. It was not just a classic it was a
treasured text as well known and respected as
the Bible. It tells the story of 53 days of the
war from the onset of plague in the Greek camp
to the funeral of Hector. Many major events such
as the Trojan horse are only told in later
sources.
There are many stories surrounding the Trojan war
and its heroes. After all this was the central
saga of all of Greece and everyone had a local
hero involved. Our Trojan war sources range from
the earliest literature (Homer) through late
Latin epics (Quintus of Smyrna). But Homers
Iliad always took precedence.
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Sing Muse the wrath of Achilles Peleus son a
ruinous wrath which put countless woes upon the
Achaians and hurled many mighty souls of heroes
to Hades and made them a feast for dogs and a
banquet for birds and the will of Zeus was
accomplished from the time when Agamemnon and
Achilles first quarrelled.
The Iliad
Achilles
The quarrel began when a plague struck the Greek
camp. Calchas the seer determined that it was
caused because Agamemnon had captured the
daughter of a priest of Apollo as his slave girl
and he would have to give her back. Agamemnon
was enraged because this would lessen his honor.
Calchas
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The Warrior Ethos
If Agememnon gives back his slave he will lose
time. So he threatens to take someone elses
slave. But then that warrior would lose time.
The Homeric warriors ethos was based on
responsibility to and honor from his
companions which was formalized in material
prizes. Time is the word for honor which is
assessed by the good opinion of your companions.
Loss of time is shameful. A geras is a prize of
honor won by you or voted to you by your
companions. When war booty is divided the size
of your geras reflects your time.
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The Warrior Ethos
Achilles objects that Agamemnons plan is not
fair and Agamemnon responds that he will then
take Achilles slave girl Briseis. Achilles
warned by Athena not to attack Agamemnon
submits but withdraws from battle and refuses to
fight. He even prays to Thetis for the Greeks to
lose.
In Greek eyes Achilles had the right to act as
he did though it is destructive and harmful to
his friends. Like Apollos his rages are larger
than life and accomplish divine will however
tragic. Achilles will suffer the most for his
rage in the end.
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Hector and Andromache
While the Greeks argue in their all-male warrior
world inside Troy there is the poignance of
family life which will soon be destroyed. Hector
and Andromache are the ideal couple he is a
kind attentive and heroic husband while she is
a faithful supportive and brave wife.
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Hector and Andromache
Hector All of our losses are of concern to me
too but I should feel terrible shame before the
Trojan women if like a coward I were to shrink
from battle. Nor would my spirit allow me to
since I have learned to be brave winning great
glory for myself and my father. For I know this
well in my heart and soul The day will come when
Troy will be destroyed.
Despite this conviction Hector prays for his
infant son to grow up as a warrior too and
laughs indulgently when the plume of his helmet
frightens the baby.
He placed his son in the hands of his dear wife.
She took him to her fragrant bosom laughing
amidst her tears.
For Andromache whose whole family has been
killed in war Hector is everything. But she
knows he must go and fight.
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The Embassy to Achilles
Ajax appeals to him friend to friend if he
returns to battle he will save Greek lives and
support his companions. Phoenix draws on myth and
their past relationship to urge him to support
his community. But Achilles refuses them all in
a speech that is sometimes articulate and
sometimes passionate.
Without Achilles the Greeks begin to lose.
Agamemnon realizes the error of his ways and
sends Odysseus Ajax and Phoenix to ask Achilles
to return to battle. He offers a huge geras
including marriage with his daughter to make up
for his previous insult to Achilles. Odysseus
presents the terms emphasizing the honor from
Agamemnons gift and how much glory Achilles can
win in battle.
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Achilles Response
The coward is held in equal honor with the brave
man who endures and fights hard and equal is his
fate. The one who does much and the one who does
nothing find a similar end in death. It was no
advantage to me when I suffered deeply
continually risking my life in battle. . .
fighting against enemies made beligerent in the
defense of their wives.
I hate the man who says one thing in his heart
and says something else as much as I hate Hades
realm. I do not believe that Agamemnon will
persuade me nor the other Greeks since it was
no pleasure to me always to fight against the
enemy relentlessly.
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Achilles Response
Why must the Greeks attack the Trojans Was it
not on account of Helen Are the sons of Atreus
the only ones who love their wives To be sure
any decent and responsible man loves his own
just as I loved Briseis from the depths of my
heart even though she was won by my spear.
In three days Ill be home in Phthia. I left
behind rich possessions when I was mad enough to
come here . . . If the gods preserve me my
father will choose a bride for me. Now I think
no riches can compare with being alive . . . a
mans life-breath cannot be hunted back once it
passes his lips.
As for Agamemnon I would not share one word of
counsel with him he robbed me and broke faith
with me.
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Patroclus
But Achilles does not go home. He stays by the
ships inactive while things get worse for the
Greeks. Finally his friend Patroclus loyal and
kind-hearted cant stand it any longer. As the
Trojans attack the Greek camp he proposes that
he should wear Achilles armor and lead out their
men and try to turn the tide of battle by his
appearance alone.
Achilles agrees but warns him not to go too far.
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Patroclus
Patroclus himself a brave warrior turns the
tide of battle even after the Trojans realize he
is not Achilles. But he forgets Achilles
instructions and attacks the city walls. There
Hector kills him. A huge fight breaks out as the
Trojans try to despoil the body and the Greeks
try to protect it.
When Achilles hears the news of his friends
death he runs out onto the battle field without
armor. But that is enough to make the Trojans
back off. Patroclus body is returned home but
without armor.
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Achilles Revenge
All the things the living give up when they
die. Achilles returns to battle.
Achilles is back with single minded purpose
revenge. He brushes off Agamemnons presents
and refuses food and drink all he wants is to
fight. But first he must have new armor. Thetis
approaches Hephaestus who makes Achilles
miraculous armor. Depicted on it are all aspects
of human life love war harvest friendship
civic justice dancing and celebrating All the
things warriors abandon
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Achilles Revenge
Previously Achilles was a chivalrous warrior
taking prisoners and allowing families to ransom
them. Now he is pitiless. To one teen-aged
enemy he says
Why ask for mercy Some morning or evening
someone will take my life too with a spear-cast
or an arrow . . . Nose down there with the
fishes. Theyll kiss your blood away.
Achilles chokes the river Skamander with so many
corpses that the river itself does battle with
him. But Achilles escapes still longing to kill
Hector.
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Achilles Revenge
Finally his opportunity comes. He faces Hector
in single combat. For a moment Hector loses
heart and runs but finally turns to fight
Achilles. Apollo favors Hector . . .
but Hectors time has come. With Athenas help
Achilles kills him and with his dying breath
Hector prophesies Achilles death.
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Achilles Revenge
Still enraged Achilles ties Hectors body to his
chariot and drives it 7 times around Troys
walls. The gods offended by the sacrilege
protect the body. Achilles returns to camp.
In the days that follow he continues to abuse
the body and refuses to return to normal life.
He is out of touch with reality.
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Achilles Revenge
Meanwhile the ghost of Patroclus appears to him
and tells him to bury his (Patroclus) body
which was still unburied! Achilles does so
combining cruelty (killing 12 Trojan prisoners on
the tomb) and kindness (magnanimously hosting
excellent funeral games giving away generous
prizes)
And finally the gods send Athena to tell Achilles
to let go of his anger and return Hectors body
to his family.
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The End of the Iliad
Hermes leads Priam to Achilles tent carrying a
huge ransom.
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The End of the Iliad
Now in Achilles the evocation of his father
stirred new longing and an ache of grief. He
lifted the old mans hand and gently put him by.
Then both were overcome as they remembered the
old man wept for Hector and Achilles wept for
his own father and for Patroclus again and
sobbing filled the room.
Achilles Iron must be the heart within you!
Come sit down well let our grief rest though
it lies heavily on us.
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The End of the Iliad
Tears heal nothing drying so stiff and cold.
This is the way the gods ordained the destiny of
men to bear such burdens in our lives while
they feel no affliction.
For my father there was only one son of all
seasons and of none. Can I stand by him in his
age Far from home I sit at Troy to grieve you
and your children. You too sir in time past
were fortunate then the gods out of the sky
sent you this bitterness. Endure it then. There
is no remedy.
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The End of the Iliad
The Iliad concludes with the funeral of Hector a
brief celebration amongst warriors and civilians
whom fate has doomed to tragedy.
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Other Trojan War Stories
The Amazons came to help the Trojans one Amazon
queen Penthesileia fought Achilles in single
combat. She lost but as her eyes met Achilles
they realized that they were kindred spirits and
could have loved one another. Once again the
warriors duty precludes happiness.
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Other Trojan War Stories
Achilles the greatest hero was killed by an
arrow shot by Paris the wimp with Apollos
help.
Homer does not mention the tradition of Achilles
invulnerability except for his heel. But other
ancient sources show it e.g. this vase painting.
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Other Trojan War Stories
Euripides tragedy Hecuba explores the story that
Achilles ghost demanded that Priams daughter
Polyxena be sacrificed to him a Trojan virgin
sacrifice to match the Greek one (Iphigenias) at
the beginning of the war.
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Other Trojan War Stories
After Achilles death Ajax and Odysseus both
wanted his armor. When it was awarded to
Odysseus Ajax went insane
killed a flock of sheep thinking they were his
enemies. Humiliated he then committed suicide.
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The End of the War
After ten years of siege and the deaths of many
heroes on both sides the Greeks had still not
captured the city. So Odysseus known for his
cleverness (metis) came up with a plan. They
would build a huge horse put warriors inside
then leave it for the Trojans to take into their
city as an offering to the gods.
Trojan horse illustration approximately
contemporary with Homer
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The End of the War
Cassandra warned against bringing it in but no
one listened to her. Laocoon advised against it
too. But the gods had decided Troy would fall
so Poseidon who had always favored the Greeks
sent a sea serpent to destroy Laocoon and his
sons. The Trojans took the omen and brought the
horse into the city.
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The End of the War
In the Aeneid Vergil tells the end of the story
The Trojans celebrated and finally slept drunk
and happy. Then the Greek warriors came out of
the horse and let their companions who had
sailed back from a nearby island into the city.
Massive destruction followed. Priam and all but
one of his sons were killed Hecuba Cassandra
and all the women taken as slaves and the city
completely destroyed.
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The End of the War
Hectors infant son Astyanax was thrown to his
death from the walls of the city and Andromache
became the slave of Achilles son Neoptolemus
who had recently joined the Greek warriors.
(Strangely enough she later married Priams one
surviving son Helenus and had a relatively
happy life.)
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The End of the War
Then Ajax (the Lesser) drags off Cassandra
rapes her after she took refuge at the altar of
the virgin goddess Athena.
The Greeks are violent and sacrilegious in their
victory first killing the aged king as he takes
refuge at an altar . .
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The End of the War
The scene as illustrated in Roman wall painting
(from Greek originals)
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The End of the War
Aeneas after fighting bravely escapes from the
burning city carrying his father on his
shoulders (representing the weight of the past)
and holding his young son by the hand (the
promise of the future). Anchises holds the
palladium the ancient statue of Athena in his
arms the sacred emblem of Troy. But Aeneas
wife cannot keep up and is killed in the fighting.
Aeneas goes on to found Rome.
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The End of the War
Helen is returned to Menelaus. In this vase
painting she holds her veil in a typical bridal
gesture.
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Helen
Greek thought about Helen is ambivalent. In the
Iliad and Odyssey she is favorably portrayed
kind to those around her intelligent and
thoughtful and not to blame for the destructive
effect of her own beauty. She is a focus of
heroine cult as well. Other sources treat her as
an evil seductress.
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The End of the War
With the enemy destroyed the Greeks return home
but how quickly victory turns sour even for the
victors is seen in the Greek heroes often tragic
homecomings.
finis