Iliad Chapters 1–9: Gift Exchange, Characters, and Key Scenes (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on Homeric gift exchange, characters, and pivotal scenes.

Ox as the basic unit of value

In Homeric culture, the ox is the basic unit for measuring value in exchanges; wealth is quantified in livestock rather than money.

Gift exchange

A form of exchange where giving creates long-term bonds of trust and friendship, not a simple buyer–seller transaction.

Asymmetrical (or unequal) gift exchange

Exchanges are not balanced in value; a more valuable gift is given to signal trust and to bound the recipient to future generosity.

Temporal asymmetry

A time delay between giving and receiving gifts, reflecting ongoing obligations rather than immediate repayment.

Friendship vs business relationship

In friendship, immediate payment is inappropriate; gifts imply ongoing reciprocity and trust rather than a fixed price.

Glaukos and Diomedes gift scene

Glaukos gives Diomedes a more valuable suit of armor to demonstrate generosity and strengthen their friendship.

Hector’s epithet: 'Hector of the shimmering helm'

A common Homeric epithet describing Hector, highlighting his warrior identity through his helmet.

Robe from Sidon

A robe described as the work of Sidon’s women, linked to Alexandros’s voyage and to Trojan treachery surrounding Helen.

Libation to the gods

A ritual offering, often wine, to the gods to seek divine aid or favor (e.g., Hecuba’s pleas to Athena).

Hecuba’s offerings

Hecuba’s prayers, robe, and sacrifices intended to persuade the gods to halt Diomedes’ assault.

Andromache at the walls

Andromache watches the battle from Troy’s walls with her infant son, foreshadowing Hector’s fate.

Scion Gates (Scaean Gates)

The gates separating safe Troy from the battlefield; a setting for foreshadowing Hector’s death.

Helen’s metapoetic role

Helen’s statements suggest the Iliad’s future existence depends on her, highlighting her meta-narrative function.

Alexandros and Helen

Alexandros (Paris) abducted Helen, triggering the Trojan War; his actions are tied to Trojan fate and divine displeasure.

Andromache’s plea to Hector

Andromache asks Hector to stay within Troy to protect the family; Hector affirms his duty to fight and protect.

Duty vs family conflict for Hector

Hector’s struggle between being a protector-warrior and a loving husband/father; war disrupts family life.

Foreshadowing in Book 6

Scenes such as Andromache at the gates foreshadow future deaths and the fall of Troy.

Chapter 9 conclusion

Hector’s final farewell with Andromache, foreshadowing his death in Book 7 and later destruction of Troy.