Overview
This lecture covers the legendary Trojan War from Homer's Iliad, detailing its legendary origins, major characters, key battles, the fall of Troy, and its lasting impacts on myth and Western culture.
Origins and Major Characters
- Homer, a blind poet from 2,800 years ago, authored the Iliad and Odyssey, central to Greek mythology.
- Troy was ruled by King Priam and Queen Hecuba, famed for its strong walls built by the gods.
- Priam's notable children: Hector (greatest Trojan warrior), Cassandra (prophetess cursed to never be believed), and Paris (whose abduction of Helen led to war).
- Helen of Sparta was considered the most beautiful woman; her marriage to Menelaus and subsequent abduction by Paris sparked the war.
- Greek suitors swore an oath to defend Helen's chosen husband, leading to a united Greek military response.
The Judgment of Paris and War Outbreak
- The goddess Eris, uninvited to a divine wedding, sparked rivalry by presenting a golden apple "to the most beautiful."
- Goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite vied for the title; Paris awarded it to Aphrodite, who promised him Helen.
- Paris abducted Helen from Sparta, despite Cassandra's warnings, igniting the conflict.
The Greek Coalition and Key Figures
- Menelaus called on Helen's former suitors and his brother Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, to wage war on Troy.
- Notable Greek leaders: Odysseus (clever king of Ithaca), Nestor (wise old king), Diomedes (young king of Argos), and Achilles (invulnerable warrior, except his heel).
- Achilles' mother, Thetis, attempted to keep him from war, but he was ultimately recruited.
Early War Events and Divine Involvement
- The Greeks struggled to sail for Troy due to Agamemnon angering Artemis but appeased her by sacrificing his daughter Iphigenia.
- Notable Trojan allies: Lycians led by Sarpedon and Glaucus, Amazons led by Penthesilea, and Prince Aeneas.
- Gods took sides: Aphrodite, Apollo, and Ares aided Troy; Hera, Athena, and Poseidon supported the Greeks.
Key Battles and Turning Points
- Greeks besieged Troy for nine years, raiding nearby lands for resources and captives.
- Conflict arose between Achilles and Agamemnon over the captive women Briseis and Chryseis, leading Achilles to withdraw from battle.
- Paris and Menelaus dueled for Helen; Paris was saved by Aphrodite.
- Hector emerged as Troy's defender; Patroclus (in Achilles' armor) was killed by Hector.
- Achilles, enraged by Patroclus' death, killed Hector and desecrated his body but later returned it to Priam.
The Fall of Troy
- Achilles was killed by Paris with Apollo's aid.
- Unable to breach Troy's walls, Odysseus devised the Trojan Horse trick.
- The Greeks hid inside the wooden horse, infiltrated the city at night, and opened the gates for the Greek army.
- The city was destroyed, Priam and Hector's son were killed, and Trojan survivors were enslaved or fled.
Aftermath and Legacy
- Cassandra was taken by Agamemnon, only for both to be killed by his wife Clytemnestra.
- Aeneas led Trojan survivors to Italy, founding the lineage of Rome.
- Menelaus and Helen returned to Sparta; Odysseus' ten-year journey home began, detailed in the Odyssey.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Iliad — Epic poem by Homer recounting the Trojan War.
- Odyssey — Homer's poem chronicling Odysseus' journey home after Troy's fall.
- Trojan Horse — A deceptive wooden horse used by the Greeks to enter Troy.
- Prophecy — Prediction of future events, often made by oracles or seers.
- Achilles' heel — A person's sole vulnerability (from the myth of Achilles).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the stories of the Iliad and Odyssey for further detail.
- Prepare notes on the main Greek and Trojan characters and their roles in the war.
- Read assigned sections of Homer (if specified by instructor).