Reading Notes: Homer's Iliad, Part B

· I really like the idea of writing a lament for Patroclus from the point of view of Achilles. After all, if he had been there his friend may well not have died. I need to ask about writing poetry.

· It’s a big deal to get the spoils of your enemy, even while you are yet in the heat of battle.

· Back to the idea of focusing in on some random, less important warrior: I could tell things from the point of view of Antilōchus, who brought the news of Patroclus’ death to Achilles.

· Achilles’ mother (Thetis) knows that the hour that Hector dies is also the hour when Achilles will die. How does she know that? Could I write a prequel that explains that?

· For the life of him, Zeus can’t seem to decide what side he’s on.

· Apollo is on the side of Troy. Athena is for the Greeks. I think that now that Achilles has rejoined the fight Zeus is probably for the Greeks. Hera is for the Greeks. It’s so strange.

· Agēnor is a hero of Troy, who turned to fight Achilles and was rescued by Apollo, who lifted him up and set him on the wall, then took his shape and fled before Achilles. I could write a story from his perspective. That would be a confusing thing to have happen (and upsetting, if you were trying to protect your honor by not fleeing).

· NO, NOT HECTOR!!!

· His father, Priam, sees Hector’s great danger, and groans and cries out. Once again, I could write a story focusing on the parents of Paris and Hector. There would probably be a lot of feeling and emotion (and heart-rending) in it.

· When Achilles is chasing Hector, there’s a beautiful figure of speech. It talks about how they’re not running for some sheep, or shield, or similar prize, but rather for the life of Hector.

· Athena tricks and betrays Hector :(. Once again, I could write from the perspective of his parents, watching from the walls, seeing Deïphobus appear, and then disappear again, and knowing their son will die.

· With the help of Zeus and Hermes, Priam can then ransom the body of Hector.

(Priam and Achilles, by Ivanov)

Bibliography: Homer's Iliad, retold by A. J. Church.