The Iliad, by Homer - 980 Words

The Iliad written by Homer in the days of Ancient Greece has become one of the most epic poems of all time. It is a poem that has been debated for centuries. Within the tale of Achilles and the wrath of war lies a magnificent object that is shortly mentioned in Book 18. The brief section in Book XVIII, lines 505-660, described the shield that Achilles would carry into battle. However, it also tells us something about the nature of Achilles and his heroic image full of rage and anger. In order to understand the significance of the Shield of Achilles, one must closely look within the different layers of the shield itself. Each layer of the shield symbolizes apart of the story at large. Even though its fragment within the poem is†¦show more content†¦Another essential layer of the shield was the King’s estate. Book XVIII describes the King’s estate as reapers working in the harvest field preparing for the delicious meal ahead. The image of a vineyard loaded w ith grapes and as beautiful as gold creating this wealthy and pleasant environment. Homer’s idea of the King’s estate closely resembles the representation of Agamemnon. Agamemnon is described in the Iliad as the King of the Achaeans, while Achilles is the best warrior of the Achaeans. Homer begins to foreshadow the fall of Troy in expresses this estates full of peace and joy. The imagery that Homer expresses throughout The Iliad only becomes glorified when the shield of Achilles is forged. Homer portrays the images on the shield as the story of Achilles as well as foreshadowing the outcome at the end of The Iliad. The Iliad is known mainly for the glorification of war as well as the rage of Achilles. The shield naturally not only symbolizes the rage and passion for war shown through Achilles, but his ultimate downfall. While forging the shield, Hephaestus wanted to help Achilles in seeking revenge for Patroclus death. Though, he knew that just because he forged one of the greatest shields ever made doesn’t been that it will spare his life. Throughout a majority of The Iliad, we see this denial of salvation from the Gods interfering within human existence. Hephaestus couldn’t favor Achilles in sparing hisShow MoreRelatedThe Iliad By Homer1654 Words   |  7 Pages The Iliad is a collection of poems by Homer describing the 10-year siege on Troy by Greeks in what is now famously referred to as the Trojan War. Several Greek and Trojan characters are worth a special mention in these Homeric poems because of the roles they played in the battles before the war was won, how they conducted themselves to help eventually win the war for their side. This paper specifically investigates the writings in the Homeric poems to look are important in the overall text. 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