Iliad: Week One Introduction (Book 1)

Book One: Introduction

The Iliad begins with a proem, which is the introductory part of an epic poem. It includes an invocation (calling upon) of a muse to help the narrator tell the story. It also introduces the main characters and sets up the central conflict of the poem (hint: it’s not actually about the Trojan War). 

In Book One, we learn that the Greeks have been besieging Troy for nine years, and have been raiding Troy’s neighboring cities and islands for supplies and booty (pun intended). The power struggle between Achilles and Agamemnon is introduced, and we get a glimpse of Agamemnon's leadership skills. 

In Book Two, we see the results of Agamemnon’s actions from Book One. We also get a really long list of all the kings who have brought troops to the fight. Here is a cool project exploring what is called The Catalogue of Ships. While this list is a bit hard to read, I encourage you to at least skim it. There are some interesting facts and stories slid in between the list of names. After the list, the reader is introduced to the Trojans and their allies. 

Questions to consider while reading (apologies if these seem pedantic):

-What is the central conflict of the Iliad, as set up in the first book?

-What does it mean to a hero? A leader?

-At the end of the proem, we are told that Zeus’ will is going to be done. To what extent does this happen?

Discussions on this book will begin on 
Friday, Jan. 15th and continue through the weekend. 

Please post any questions you may have about the reading here as you go along, 

and I will answer them (or find someone who can). 

However, I ask that you try to save any big discussion questions for Friday. 

See you then! 

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Just for kicks, here is a really awful translation of the proem I made a long time ago. The reason I'm sharing it is because I attempted to maintain the Greek word order as much as possible. This leads to some really bad English, but perhaps will make an interesting comparison to whatever translation you are using.

Of rage sing, goddesses, of Peleus’ son Achilles,

destructive to the Achaean ranks, causing pain,

the hero caused many strong spirits to be sent down to Hades,

themselves made prey for dogs and

augur-birds of all [kinds], and Zeus’ will was fulfilled.

But first [tell?] of the quarrel

Of Atreus’ son, lord of men, and noble Achilles.

Which of the gods provoked both of them to fight?

Leto and Zeus’ son, for he, made angry by the king

roused a badness that traveled along the army, destroying soldiers

because Chryses, his priest, was disgraced

by the son of Atreus. For he came to the swift ships of the Achaeans

to free his daughter, bearing unlimited ransom,

he had a wreath in his hands of far-reaching Apollo

along with a gold staff, and begged the Achaeans,

but mostly the two sons of Atreus, ruler of the armies:  

“You sons of Atreus and other Achaeans with good greaves,

may the gods who hold Olympus give to you

Priam’s city to be utterly destroyed […..]

but free my loved child to me, and accept this ransom,

revering Zeus’ son, far-shooting Apollo.”

All the other Achaeans shouted assent

to revere the priest and accept the splendid ransom.

But Atreus’ son, Agamemnon, was not pleased in the soul

but harshly sent forth [the priest], laying a strong word upon him:

“Let me not come upon you by the hollow ships, old man,

either tarrying now or coming later.

Indeed, now your staff and wreath of the god will not ward off danger.

But I will not free [your daughter] until old age comes upon her

in our house in Argos, far from her home,

and she approaches the loom and meets me in my bed.

But go, do not rouse me to anger, so you may go safely.”

He spoke thus, and feeling fear, the old man was persuaded by the speech,

and he walked silently along the beach of the loud-roaring sea.

Then, when he had gone a ways off, the old man prayed (35)

to Lord Apollo, who was born of fair-haired Leto.

“Hear me, you of the silver bow, who guards Chryse

and sacred Cilla, you who strongly rule Tenedos;

Smintheus, if at some time I built a new roof for a temple pleasing to you,

or if at some time I burnt fat from thighs to you, (40)

of a bull or a goat, then fulfill my wish:

May the Danaans be paid for my tears with your arrows”.

Thus he prayed, and Phoebus Apollo heard it.

Down from the summits of Olympus he came, angry at heart.

He had his bow on his shoulder and a covered quiver. (45)

The arrows on the shoulder of the angry one rattled

as he moved. His coming was like the night.

Then he sat down a way off from the ships and shot his arrows into their midst.

And fearful was the sharp sound made by the silver bow.

Mules he shot first, and swift dogs, (50)

but then on the men he sent his bitter arrows

down. And always the pyres of dead bodies burned thick.