Key Points from the Lecture on Homer’s Works

Introduction to Homer

• Homer: A blind poet from 2800 years ago.
• Major Works:
  • The Iliad
  • The Odyssey
• Influence: Considered one of the most influential authors in Western civilization.

The Tale of Troy

The Kingdom of Troy

• Location: Across the sea from Athens and Sparta.
• Rulers: King Priam and Queen Hecuba.
• Notable Children: 50 sons and daughters, including:
  • Hector: Troy's greatest warrior.
  • Cassandra: Cursed prophetess.
  • Paris: Foretold to bring destruction to Troy.

Prophecy and Birth of Paris

• Hecuba's prophecy led to Paris being raised away from his family by a shepherd.

The Birth of Helen

• Zeus transforms into a swan to seduce Leda.
• Birth of Helen and other children:
  • Castor, Pollux, Clytemnestra, Helen.
• Helen becomes the most beautiful woman, leading to many suitors vying for her hand in marriage.

The Oath of the Suitors

• Odysseus proposes an oath to uphold peace among suitors.
• Helen chooses Menelaus as her husband, becoming King and Queen of Sparta.

The Judgement of Paris

• The goddess Eris disrupts the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, leading to the golden apple dispute.
• Paris is chosen to judge the contest among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.
• Paris chooses Aphrodite, leading to the abduction of Helen.

The Trojan War Begins

• Menelaus calls upon all suitors, now bound by oath, to retrieve Helen.
• Agamemnon leads the Greek forces.

Key Greek Kings and Warriors

• Agamemnon: King of Mycenae, commands the Greek fleet.
• Odysseus: King of Ithaca, known for his cunning.
• Achilles: Greatest warrior, his mother attempts to hide him to prevent war.
• Patroclus: Achilles' close friend.

Achilles' Vulnerability

• Achilles dipped in the River Styx; only his heel remains vulnerable.

The Sacrifice of Iphigenia

• Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter to appease Artemis for favorable winds.

The Withering of the War

• Nine years of war with high casualties on both sides.
• Achilles withdraws from battle after a dispute with Agamemnon.

The Death of Patroclus

• Disguised as Achilles, Patroclus is killed by Hector, leading to Achilles' wrath.
• Achilles seeks revenge, killing Hector and dishonoring his body.

Fall of Troy

• Achilles is killed by Paris with a poisoned arrow, leading to despair among the Greeks.
• Odysseus' Plan: The Trojan Horse allows Greeks to infiltrate Troy, leading to its destruction.
• Surviving Trojans, including Aeneas, escape and eventually found Rome.

Aftermath of the War

• Cassandra is killed by Agamemnon's wife, Clytemnestra.
• Agamemnon is murdered by Clytemnestra upon his return.
• Odysseus faces a long journey home, setting the stage for The Odyssey.

Conclusion

• The Iliad and the Odyssey embody themes of heroism, fate, and the consequences of desires.