Ars Politica - Ep19: The Iliad, 1-4 - a podcast by Stephen Wolfe

Iliad
Books 1-4 - The Anger of AchillesThe Homeric Epic: 
epic = long, gods, heroes, war, adventure. 
Primary cultural texts for ancient civ. 
Ed tools, moral framework, proper behavior. 
Historical accounts?What it means to be human.
Influence on literature, philosophy, theology, art, architecture, politics.Background: gods and goddesses, wedding on Mt. Ida., Rape of Helen, Greeks to honor oaths to Helen’s husband.
1 The Homeric QuestionThe Iliad begins in medias res: “in the middle of the subject.”
The Quarrel and the elite warrior ethosGreeks fight for Timé and Kleos - honor and glory. Trojans fight for these and for country, home, hearth.
Agamemnon dishonors Achilles, Achilles withdrawsWhole story is the result of Achilles’ withdrawal
2 Epic ListHistoricity verified in archeological digs. 
3 The Duel: 
History of the duel.Whole armies represented by individual leaders
4 The Truce Broken: 
Covenant made by one top leader binds all beneath himContrast between ancient and modern value systems

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