The Iliad - Prelude to War - Greek - Extra Mythology - Part 1

Summary

In ancient Greece, two great nations, Achia and Sparta, coexisted until the gods on Mount Olympus intervened. Zeus's love for Thetis led to her marriage with a human king, setting off a chain of events involving a golden apple, a beauty contest among goddesses, and the eventual abduction of Helen by Paris. This act of love sparked a decade-long Trojan War, with heroes like Achilles and kings like Agamemnon caught in a conflict that would define their legacies and bring suffering to many.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Myths are significant cultural tales that may not align with historical records but serve as foundational stories.
• 🏰 Ancient Greece was home to two powerful nations: Achia, known for its seafaring and philosopher kings, and Sparta, renowned for its warriors and craftsmen.
• ⚔️ The gods of Mount Olympus, including Zeus, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, played pivotal roles in the affairs of mortals, often leading to significant consequences.
• 🍎 The 'Judgment of Paris', where Paris had to choose the fairest goddess among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, led to the start of the Trojan War.
• 💖 Aphrodite's bribe to Paris, promising him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, set off a chain of events that would lead to war.
• 🏹 Achilles, a demigod and one of the greatest warriors, was a key figure in the Trojan War, his actions and decisions having a profound impact on its course.
• 🏰 The abduction of Helen by Paris led to the formation of a massive Greek coalition, bound by oath to defend her marriage, resulting in a long and devastating siege of Troy.
• 🛡️ The Trojan War was marked by a decade-long stalemate, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory, highlighting the resilience and strategies of both Greeks and Trojans.
• 🏹 Achilles' dispute with Agamemnon over the war prize Briseis and the subsequent plague sent by Apollo due to the kidnapping of Chryseis were turning points in the war.
• 🌐 The script illustrates how divine intervention, human desires, and the complexities of honor and love intertwined to shape the epic narrative of the Trojan War.

Q & A

What is the significance of myths in the context of the script?

Myths, as mentioned in the script, are not necessarily untrue stories but tales that don't fit neatly into the historical record, serving as a foundation for a culture's beliefs and traditions.

Which two great nations of ancient Greece are mentioned in the script?

The two great nations of ancient Greece mentioned in the script are Achia, known for its mighty ships and philosopher kings, and Sparta, known for its stoic warriors and finest craftsmen.

Why did Zeus not marry the sea nymph Thetis himself?

Zeus did not marry Thetis because it was prophesized that he would be overthrown by one of his own sons, and he feared that if he had a child with Thetis, who was a sea nymph, that child could be his downfall.

What was the special gift Eris, the goddess of chaos, brought to the wedding of Thetis and Peleus?

Eris brought a golden apple inscribed with the phrase 'To the Fairest' as a special gift to the wedding of Thetis and Peleus, which led to a dispute among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.

Who was chosen to decide the dispute over the golden apple, and what were the bribes offered by the goddesses?

Paris, the Prince of Troy, was chosen to decide the dispute over the golden apple. Hera offered political and military power, Athena offered to make him the strongest and wisest warrior, and Aphrodite offered him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Who is Achilles and what is his significance in the story?

Achilles is the son of Thetis and Peleus, born half-mortal and half-divine. He is significant as he grows up to be one of the greatest warriors among the Achaeans in the Trojan War.

Why did Paris go to Sparta and what was the consequence?

Paris went to Sparta to claim Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, as promised by Aphrodite. The consequence was that he and Helen eloped, leading to the Trojan War as Menelaus and his allies sought to reclaim Helen and avenge the insult.

How did the suitors of Helen prevent King of Sparta from choosing one among them without causing resentment?

The suitors of Helen, including Menelaus, agreed to defend the marriage of Helen, whoever was chosen, to prevent the king from having to reject any of them and thus avoid resentment. They decided to draw straws to determine who would marry Helen.

What was the stalemate between the Achaeans and Trojans, and how long did it last?

The stalemate was a prolonged period of inaction and no decisive victory in the Trojan War, where the Achaeans held the beach but were unable to breach the Trojan's walled city. This stalemate lasted nearly a decade.

What event led to Apollo sending a plague to the Achaean camp, and how did Achilles respond?

Apollo sent a plague to the Achaean camp after Agamemnon took Briseis, a war prize claimed by Achilles, which angered her father, a priest of Apollo. In response, Achilles called for an assembly that would change the course of the war.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 Ancient Greek Mythology and the Origins of the Trojan War

This paragraph delves into the mythological background of ancient Greece, highlighting the coexistence of the nations of Achia and Sparta. It sets the stage for the Trojan War by introducing the gods on Mount Olympus and their influence on human affairs. The narrative focuses on the prophecy of Zeus's downfall and the divine intervention in the marriage of Thetis to a mortal king, which leads to the birth of Achilles. The paragraph culminates in the tale of the golden apple of discord, presented by the goddess Eris, which incites a rivalry among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The judgment of Paris, who awards the apple to Aphrodite in exchange for the love of Helen, sets off a chain of events that lead to the war.

05:02

🚢 The Trojan War: A Stalemate and Divine Intervention

The second paragraph describes the outbreak of the Trojan War, with a thousand ships from Greece sailing to Troy. It details the initial battle on the Trojan shores, where the Achaeans, led by warriors like Achilles, force the Trojans to retreat. The paragraph then shifts to the prolonged stalemate, with neither side able to claim victory despite nearly a decade of conflict. The Achaeans adapt to their new lives away from home, while the Trojans live under siege. The narrative introduces a critical turning point when Achilles, in a dispute over war prizes, offends Apollo, leading to a plague in the Achaean camp. This event catalyzes a pivotal assembly that will change the course of the war, influenced by the pride of Agamemnon, the vanity of Aphrodite, the lust of Paris, and the rage of Achilles.

Keywords

💡Myths

Myths are traditional stories that often involve gods, heroes, or supernatural beings and are part of a culture's folklore. They serve as a foundation to a culture, explaining historical, cultural, or social aspects. In the video, myths are used to frame the narrative of ancient Greek history and the origins of the conflict between Achaean and Trojan nations.

💡Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece refers to the period in Greek history from the earliest recorded history around 3000 BCE to the end of antiquity in the 600s CE. It's the setting of the video, where the two great nations of Achia and Sparta coexisted before the events leading to the Trojan War unfolded.

💡Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is a mountain in Greece and in Greek mythology, it is the home of the gods. In the script, it symbolizes the divine intervention of the gods in the affairs of mortals, particularly Zeus and his plans that influence the course of the story.

💡Zeus

Zeus is the king of the gods in Greek mythology, known for his power and authority. In the video, Zeus's actions, such as his decision to marry Thetis to a mortal king instead of himself, set off a chain of events that lead to the Trojan War.

💡Golden Apple

The Golden Apple is a symbol of discord and the cause of the Judgement of Paris, a pivotal event leading to the Trojan War. In the video, it is inscribed with 'the fairest' and becomes the object of contention among goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.

💡Paris

Paris is a Trojan prince whose decision to award the Golden Apple to Aphrodite sets in motion the events leading to the Trojan War. His abduction of Helen, the 'most beautiful woman in the world,' is the immediate cause of the war.

💡Achilles

Achilles is a central figure in the Trojan War, known as a great Achaean warrior. His mother Thetis is a goddess, making him half-mortal and half-divine. In the video, Achilles's strength and his role in the war are highlighted, especially his leadership in battles and raids.

💡Trojan War

The Trojan War is a legendary conflict waged against the city of Troy, as recounted in Greek mythology and the video's narrative. It is the central event of the video, with the script detailing the causes, the involvement of various gods and heroes, and its impact on the ancient world.

💡Agamemnon

Agamemnon is the king of Mycenae and the leader of the Achaean forces in the Trojan War. In the video, his role as the commander of the Achaean army and his dispute with Achilles over Briseis are key elements in the unfolding drama.

💡Apollo

Apollo is the Greek god of the sun, music, and prophecy, among other things. In the video, Apollo's intervention in the war by sending a plague to the Achaean camp after his priest's daughter is kidnapped by Achilles illustrates the influence of the gods on mortal affairs.

Highlights

Myths are not untrue stories but tales that form a cultural foundation.

Ancient Greece was home to two great nations: Achia and Sparta.

Zeus, king of the gods, came into power by killing his father Cronos.

A prophecy foretold Zeus would be overthrown by one of his sons.

Zeus's love for the nymph Thetis led to a strategic marriage to a human king.

The wedding of Thetis and the human king was attended by all the gods.

Eris, goddess of chaos, presented a golden apple inscribed 'the fairest', sparking a dispute.

Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite fought over the golden apple, leading to a divine intervention.

Paris, Prince of Troy, was chosen to decide the winner of the apple.

Aphrodite won the apple by promising Paris the love of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Thetis bore a son, Achilles, who was half mortal and half divine.

Achilles grew up to be the greatest of all Achaean warriors.

Paris sought the love of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, causing a conflict.

Helen had many suitors, leading to an agreement to defend her marriage no matter the chosen one.

Menelaus, brother of King Agamemnon, was chosen to marry Helen.

Paris and Helen eloped, leading to a call to arms from Menelaus.

A thousand ships from Greece set sail for Troy, initiating the Trojan War.

A decade-long stalemate between the Achaeans and Trojans ensued.

Achilles led a raid, kidnapping two women, which would have dire consequences.

Apollo, angered by the kidnapping of his priest's daughter, sent a plague upon the Achaean camp.

Achilles called an assembly that would change the course of the Trojan War.

Transcripts

myths are not stories that are untrue

rather they are tales that don't fit

neatly into the historical record which

serve as a foundation to a culture long

ago in ancient Greece there were two

great nations

akia where mighty ships cut across the

wine-dark sea and philosopher Kings

reign and Sparta land of stoic warriors

and the finest craftsmen the world has

ever known for countless years both

nations existed in harmony though

tragedy awaited them for high above on

Mount Olympus the gods were making their

own plans Zeus king of the gods had come

into power by killing his father Cronos

and if you remember our previous episode

it was also prophesized that Zeus would

then be overthrown by one of his own

sons

thus when he fell in love with the seen

emptiness though he desperately wanted

to marry her and have children Heba

grudgingly arranged to have her marry

Ilyas human king of the mermaid Anse

instead of him the wedding ceremony was

a wonder to behold as all of the

marvellous gods attended in their

resplendent glory Hermes Herald of the

gods Hara Zeus his wife and goddess of

marriage Apollo god of the Sun Athena

grey-eyed goddess of war and wisdom and

beautiful Aphrodite goddess of erotic

love these and many more came to

celebrate the happy day but when Eris

goddess of chaos arrived she bore a

special gift a golden apple inscribed

with the phrase - the fairest Hera

Athena and Aphrodite all claimed that

they deserved the Apple and began

fighting bitterly over who deserved it

most

all the while nobody at the wedding was

willing to favor one of them for fear of

angering the others to settle the matter

Zeus ordered all of them to appear

before Paris Prince of Troy and let him

decide who the goddesses descended from

Mount Olympus and presented themselves

before the prince but each was so

beautiful in her own way that Paris

could not decide either so bribery

it was Hara offered him political and

military

Athena offered to make him the strongest

and wisest warrior alive and Aphrodite

offered him the love of the most

beautiful woman in the world

Paris chose Aphrodite's offer she

gleefully claimed the Golden Apple as

her own and the deities returned to

Olympus though Hera and Athena were

furious and began planning their revenge

straightaway but that would not come for

several years and in the meantime all

seemed well in both the mortal and

divine realms and Thetis bore a son

naming the child Achilles half mortal

and half divine Achilles grew up healthy

and strong and though he was still young

he quickly took his place among the

greatest of all warriors not half brad

also the time had come for Paris to

collect the favor

Aphrodite owed him he yearned for the

love of the most beautiful woman in the

world

Helen daughter of the king of Sparta but

it was not a simple matter of

matchmaking because you see Helen was so

intelligent lovely kind and talented

that she had dozens and dozens of

suitors from every household in the land

and the king was afraid to choose any

one of them out of fear that the others

would retaliate in anger one of the

suitors intelligent Odysseus proposed

the solution since none of them would

get to marry Helen as long as the king

feared them then they should all agree

to defend the marriage of Helen no

matter who was chosen and then simply

draw straws that way the king would not

have to insult anyone by rejecting them

and the lucky man was Menelaus brother

to the great King Agamemnon of my seniya

he was not just set to marry Helen but

also to one day inherit the throne of

Sparta but don't forget the gods had

made their own plans after the wedding

while Menelaus was celebrating his life

as a newly Wed Paris made his way to

Sparta to claim what Aphrodite had

promised him when he approached the

palace and Helen laid eyes on him

Aphrodite struck them both with such a

powerful longing for each other that

they eloped together to Troy that very

instant but this of course was not

happily ever after hundreds of men had

sworn to defend Helens marriage and

Menelaus was not going to wave goodbye

to love power and glory so he went out

to the great walled city of Troy and

tried in vain

reason with Paris but alas love looks

not with the eyes but with the mind when

no amount of diplomacy or bribery could

convince the lovers to part Menelaus had

no choice but to call on all of the

suitors to honor their oath and defend

his marriage his brother Agamemnon sent

messengers to all of the kings and

princes of akia and the message said one

simple thing

prepare your ships and ready for battle

for there was not a noble household that

hadn't sent a suitor to vie for Helens

hand and thus all bound by the pact the

entire nation was going to war so a

thousand ships set sail from every

corner of Greece forming the greatest

fleet the world had ever seen and they

all made for Troy after a week at sea

the achaeans finally set foot on trojan

shores Paris's army awaits them in force

with eager young warriors like Achilles

standing alongside veterans all united

by their foul spears fly shield shatter

the battle on the beach is short and the

Achaeans forced the Trojans to retreat

into their walled city and there they

wait and wait and wait

the Achaeans hold the beach but the

Trojans are untouchable in their high

walled city week's turned to months

months turned to years and after nearly

a decade of stalemate neither side can

claim victory all the while the Achaeans

built new lives far from home in their

camp on the beach their ships an

ever-present specter on the Trojan

horizon and the Trojans for their part

adjust to life under siege

while Paris and Helen remain deeply in

love despite the hardship growing more

Restless every day in their stalemate VI

qian's bide their time by raiding nearby

towns for supplies and war trophies on

one such day Achilles who had grown up

to be the strongest of the Achaean

warriors led a raid and kidnapped two

women as war prizes crisis and Briseis

Agamemnon commander of the army claimed

crisis as his price and Achilles as

leader of the raid claimed brisëis as

his own but this was a huge mistake you

know beyond the reasons you would

imagine it is for crisis father was a

priest of the god Apollo and when he

learned that his daughter had been taken

he

turn to the gods and begged them for

help Apollo sympathetic to the prayers

of his devoted follower being the god of

both the Sun and of sickness struck via

Qian camp with a horrible plague in

retribution

every day more Achaeans died on that

foreign soil until achilles had had

enough and he called an assembly that

would alter the course of history and

thus the pride of Agamemnon the vanity

of Aphrodite the lust of Paris and the

rage of Achilles would bring untold

suffering into the world

thanks so much to Ahmed Zayat Turk

Alesia bramble Casey Mutua Dominic

Valenciana Gunnar Clovis Kyle Murgatroyd

mulege gallery and Oreos won for being

legendary patrons

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[Applause]

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you

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