Commonwealth of Australia
Course of Study: ANCH1240 - The Rise of Ancient Greece
Title of Work: The Iliad of Homer (2011) Book Twenty-Three
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Title and Author Information
Publication Details
Summary of Book Twenty-Three
Context:
After the death of Patroklos, the Achaians mourn deeply.
Achilles, enraged over the loss of his friend Patroklos, resolves to dishonor Hector's body and take revenge.
The Mourning of Patroklos
The Achaians mourn in the city and refuse to scatter.
Achilles leads the Myrmidons in mourning by the body of Patroklos.
They mourn with elaborate rituals, reflecting deep grief.
Achilleus's Promise
Achilles vows vengeance against Hector for Patroklos’s death.
This includes dragging Hector's body and sacrificing Trojans in revenge.
The Myrmidons weep and share in the mourning.
The Funeral Feast
A feast is prepared to honor Patroklos, with animals sacrificed.
Despite Achilles's initial refusal to partake, he is persuaded to eat after the rituals.
The Achaians prepare for Patroklos's funeral pyre.
The Spirit of Patroklos
Achilles sleeps by the sea and dreams of Patroklos.
Patroklos's ghost urges Achilles to bury him and keep their bones together.
Achilles vows to honor Patroklos's wishes, intensifying his grief and resolve.
Construction of the Pyre
Achaians gather materials for the funeral pyre, led by Achilles.
Achilles cuts his hair as a sacrifice to the river Spercheios.
The pyre is constructed and prepared for Patroklos’s body.
The Sacrificial Offerings
Achilles vows to sacrifice twelve Trojan princes in addition to honoring Patroklos.
Offers wine and sacrifices upon the pyre, mourning deeply for his fallen friend.
The Burning of the Pyre
Winds are called upon to ignite the pyre, which eventually catches fire.
Achilles mourns like a father, as the pyre burns through the night.
Gathering Troops to Honor Patroklos
Achaians collect the bones of Patroklos once the pyre is extinguished.
Achilles commands a tomb to be built, promising that it shall be grand in the future.
The Games in Honor of Patroklos
Achilles organizes games including races and boxing to honor Patroklos’s memory.
Various prizes are laid out for the winners, symbolizing glory and competition.
Foot Race: Notable competitors include Aias and Odysseus.
Boxing: Epeios claims victory against Euryalos.
Wrestling: Odysseus and Aias grapple in a fierce competition.
The Games Outcome
Conclusion of Book Twenty-Three
Reflects the themes of loyalty, honor, and the enduring pain of loss.
Achilleus's character encapsulates the rage and determination to avenge his fallen friend, solidifying bonds among the Achaians.
Tutorial Qs:
1. Why did Achilles stage funeral games for Patroclus?
He staged the games to honour Patroclus and commemorate him. He had a very personal relationship with him after growing up alongside each other and took the death of Patroclus very hard. He wanted all of his people to also remember him in a grand way. The games also worked to strengthen the unity among the Achaians, as they provided a platform for camaraderie and competition, allowing warriors to showcase their skills in honor of Patroclus.
2. Was he a fair judge in his judging of winners and placegetters at these games?
I’d say probably not. He was already experiences a flurry of strong emotions that easily could have affected his judgement. Additionally, he had close relationships with competitors such as Odysseus and Aias. Their bond could have caused him to unfairly decide them as winner.
3. What was the purpose of games at elite burials in archaic Greece?
4. How did the funeral games of Patroclus improve relationships among the elite Greeks at Troy?
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