The Iliad - Prizes & Prejudice - Greek - Extra Mythology - Part 2

Summary

In this epic tale, the Achaeans and Trojans are locked in a ten-year war with no end in sight. A plague ravages the Achaean camp, and it's revealed that Apollo's wrath is due to Agamemnon's refusal to return Chryseis, a priest's daughter he kidnapped. Achilles, seeking a solution, is met with Agamemnon's stubbornness and a power struggle ensues. Thetis, Achilles' mother, appeals to Zeus for justice, leading to a divine intervention that promises victory to the Achaeans but at a cost. The story sets the stage for a dramatic showdown, with the gods' plans and human ambitions intertwining.

Takeaways

• 📜 Myths are integral to a culture, serving purposes beyond historical accuracy.
• 🏺 The Achaeans and Trojans were in a decade-long conflict, with the Gods taking an interest in the outcome.
• 🔥 A plague devastated the Achaean camp, affecting both animals and men, instigated by Apollo, the God of plagues.
• 🌪️ Hera, concerned by the suffering, prompted Achilles to call an assembly to address the issue.
• 👤 A seer revealed that Agamemnon's dishonor of Apollo by kidnapping Chryseis was the cause of the plague.
• 🙏 Achilles sought to protect the seer who dared to speak the truth, even against powerful figures.
• 🤬 Agamemnon, unwilling to part with Chryseis, proposed to take Briseis from Achilles instead, causing a heated dispute.
• 😡 Achilles, enraged by Agamemnon's arrogance, was on the brink of violence but was counseled by Athena to endure the humiliation.
• 💬 Athena advised Achilles to respond with words, promising future rewards and divine retribution for Agamemnon.
• 😭 Achilles, heartbroken, sought his mother Thetis's help to petition Zeus for justice.
• ⚔️ Zeus, torn between Hera's support for the Achaeans and Thetis's request, ultimately agreed to honor Achilles by causing the Achaeans to suffer losses.

Q & A

What is the main conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon in the script?

The main conflict arises when Agamemnon decides to take Briseis, Achilles' prize, in exchange for returning Chryseis, which leads to a heated argument and a near physical altercation between the two.

Why is the Achaean camp suffering from a plague?

The plague is sent by Apollo, the God of plagues, as a punishment for the Achaeans because Agamemnon has dishonored the God by kidnapping Chryseis, the daughter of Apollo's beloved priest, and refusing to accept ransom for her return.

What role does Hera play in the script?

Hera, who supports the Achaean side, is concerned about the suffering caused by the plague and puts the thought in Achilles' mind to call an assembly to find a solution to stop the plague.

How does the Bird-seer know the reason behind Apollo's anger?

The Bird-seer is renowned for interpreting the will of the Gods through the flight of birds, and he reveals that Apollo is angry due to Agamemnon's actions involving Chryseis.

Why does Agamemnon refuse to return Chryseis without a ransom?

Agamemnon refuses to return Chryseis without a ransom because he has taken a liking to her, considering her prettier, nicer, and more talented than his own wife.

What advice does Athena give to Achilles to avoid immediate violence?

Athena advises Achilles to endure the humiliation and respond with words rather than violence, promising that he will be rewarded threefold in the future if he can restrain himself.

What is the significance of the dream that Zeus sends to Agamemnon?

The dream signifies that the Gods have decided to support the Achaeans in the war, leading Agamemnon to believe that victory is assured without Achilles' help.

Why is Zeus hesitant to grant Thetis' request for help?

Zeus is hesitant because he does not want to go against his wife, Hera, who supports the Achaean side, as it could exacerbate their existing marital conflicts.

What is the outcome of Achilles' decision to withhold his forces from the war?

Achilles' decision to withdraw his forces is a significant turning point that leads to the Achaeans suffering a great loss, as requested by Thetis to Zeus as punishment for the humiliation of Achilles.

How does the script end and what is hinted for the next episode?

The script ends with Agamemnon ordering the Achaean forces to prepare for war, based on the dream he received. The next episode is hinted to reveal the outcome of Agamemnon's plan and the impact of Achilles' withdrawal on the war.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 The Stalemate and Divine Intervention

The script begins with a discussion on the nature of myths, setting the stage for a tale of the Achaean-Trojan conflict. The Achaeans and Trojans are locked in a ten-year stalemate, with the gods debating the outcome. A plague ravages the Achaean camp, affecting both animals and men, instigated by Apollo. Hera, concerned for the Achaean side, inspires Achilles to call an assembly to address the issue. A seer reveals that the plague is a result of Agamemnon's dishonor towards Apollo by kidnapping Chryseis, and the only solution is to return her without ransom. Agamemnon, however, refuses to part with Chryseis and instead proposes to take Briseis, Achilles' prize, in exchange. This incites a heated argument between Achilles and Agamemnon, with Achilles threatening to leave the war. Athena intervenes, advising Achilles to endure the humiliation and use words, not violence, against Agamemnon. She promises him future rewards and hints at divine plans for Agamemnon.

05:01

😠 The Aftermath and Divine Schemes

Despite the resolution to return Chryseis, Agamemnon's pride is hurt, and he insists on taking Briseis from Achilles. Achilles, remembering Athena's advice, endures the humiliation but is deeply upset. He prays to his mother, Thetis, who then approaches Zeus to seek retribution for Achilles' mistreatment. Zeus, torn between his wife Hera's support for the Achaeans and his affection for Achilles, ultimately agrees to Thetis' request. He sends Agamemnon a false dream, suggesting that the gods now favor the Achaeans' victory. Agamemnon, believing the dream, decides to launch an attack on the Trojans without Achilles' help. The script ends with a teaser for the next episode, which will reveal the outcome of Agamemnon's plan.

Keywords

💡Myths

Myths are traditional stories that often involve gods or supernatural beings and are told to explain natural phenomena, historical events, or cultural practices. In the video, myths serve as the foundation of the culture and the narrative, framing the story of the Achaeans and Trojans within a larger context of divine intervention and human struggle.

💡Achaeans

The Achaeans were the ancient Greeks who participated in the Trojan War, as described in Greek mythology. In the script, they are one of the warring factions locked in a stalemate with the Trojans, and their plight is central to the unfolding drama, particularly in relation to the plague sent by Apollo.

💡Trojans

The Trojans were the people of the city of Troy, which was besieged by the Achaeans in the Trojan War. The script mentions the Trojans as the opposing force in the conflict, with the Gods debating over their fate, indicating the divine interest in the war's outcome.

💡Apollo

Apollo is the Greek god of plagues, among other things, and is a central figure in the script as the deity who sends a plague to the Achaean camp. His actions drive the narrative forward, leading to a crisis that must be resolved through the return of Chryseis.

💡Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the mythical home of the Greek gods, including Hera, and is mentioned in the script as the place where the gods observe the mortal world and intervene in human affairs. The script uses Mount Olympus to illustrate the divine perspective on the war and the suffering of the Achaeans.

💡Chryseis

Chryseis is the daughter of Apollo's priest and a key figure in the script. Her kidnapping by Agamemnon is the cause of Apollo's wrath, leading to the plague that afflicts the Achaeans. Her return is proposed as the solution to end the suffering, highlighting the importance of respecting divine will in the narrative.

💡Agamemnon

Agamemnon is the king of Mycenae and the leader of the Achaeans in the Trojan War. In the script, his refusal to return Chryseis and his subsequent demand for Briseis lead to a conflict with Achilles, illustrating the theme of leadership, power, and the consequences of personal desires.

💡Achilles

Achilles is a central hero in Greek mythology and a key figure in the Trojan War. In the script, his disagreement with Agamemnon over the prize of Briseis leads to a dramatic confrontation, showcasing themes of honor, pride, and the personal costs of war.

💡Briseis

Briseis is a captive woman awarded to Achilles as a prize of war. The script uses her as a point of contention between Achilles and Agamemnon, symbolizing the broader issues of power, ownership, and the treatment of women in ancient societies.

💡Thetis

Thetis is a sea nymph and the mother of Achilles. In the script, she intercedes on her son's behalf by appealing to Zeus, demonstrating the theme of divine influence and the complex relationships between gods and mortals in Greek mythology.

💡Zeus

Zeus is the king of the Greek gods and a significant figure in the script. His decision to honor Thetis's request and to send a dream to Agamemnon influences the course of the war, illustrating the power of the gods to shape human destiny and the intricate dynamics of divine politics.

Highlights

Myths serve as a foundation to a culture, not just as untrue stories.

The Achaeans and Trojans were locked in a ten-year stalemate.

Funeral pyres illuminated the Achaean camp for over a week due to a plague.

Apollo, the God of plagues, was the cause of the plague affecting the Achaean camp.

Hera, concerned by the suffering, instigated Achilles to call an assembly to end the plague.

A seer among the Achaeans knew why Apollo was angry but feared powerful repercussions.

Agamemnon had dishonored Apollo by kidnapping Chryseis, causing the plague.

The only solution to end the plague was to return Chryseis without ransom.

Agamemnon was unwilling to give up Chryseis, whom he favored over his wife.

Agamemnon proposed to take Briseis, Achilles' prize, in exchange for returning Chryseis.

Achilles refused to give up Briseis, leading to a heated confrontation with Agamemnon.

Athena intervened to prevent Achilles from striking Agamemnon, advising him to endure the humiliation.

Achilles insulted Agamemnon in front of the entire camp, declaring his intention to leave.

Agamemnon dared Achilles to leave, asserting his authority and taking Briseis away.

Achilles, in despair, prayed to his mother Thetis to intervene with Zeus on his behalf.

Thetis asked Zeus to honor Achilles by causing the Achaeans to suffer a great loss.

Zeus, torn between Hera's support for the Achaeans and his affection for Achilles, agreed to Thetis' request.

Zeus sent Agamemnon a dream, falsely promising victory if the Achaeans attacked the Trojans.

Agamemnon, believing the dream, prepared the Achaean forces for war without Achilles.

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

For ten long years

The Achaeans and the Trojans had been locked in a stalemate

As the Gods above debate who should win

(Story time)

For over a week, funeral pyres

have illuminated the beaches of the Achaean camp

burning day and night. The atmosphere is grim

and bleak. Plague. Suffering.

Death. Despair. First, it infected the dogs and the horses. But then Apollo

God of plagues, turned his divine wrath on the men

And now, hundreds lay dead

Meanwhile, upon Mount Olympus, Hera looks on concerned

She supports the Achaean side of the conflict and

can't just sit idly by with so many dying

She has to do SOMETHING. So, she puts

a thought in Achilles' mind

Hera: Call an assembly and figure out

how to stop the plague.

The fate of the entire nation

depends on it.

(intro scene)

(intro scene)

(Intro scene)

Desperate for answers and hoping for a cure

The Achaean soldiers and kings answer Achilles' summon

There, Achilles asks

his comrades if there are any seers or priests

among them who can find out WHY Apollo is angry

and tell them how they can fix this.

A man stands up. Among the Achaean, he is renowned for interpreting

the will of the Gods through the flight of birds. And HE says

He knows why Apollo's angry, but uhh

Certain, POWERFUL people might

get ANGRY if he said something

So he wants to be sure that he will

be protected from any consequences. Should he speak up.

Achilles catches his meaning and swears to protect him

even if, you know, for the sake of argument

someone like Agamemnon himself, maybe

were to get upset. The Bird-seer then explains that

Chryseis was the daughter of Apollo's beloved priest

and that Agamemnon had dishonored the God by kidnapping her

and refused to accept ransom for her return

The only way to end the plague, he says

is to return Chryseis home. Now without any ransom at all

Relieved that their suffering will finally end

The Achaeans support the plan, BUT

AGAMEMNON isn't feeling it

He points a finger at the seer and says that he never prophesies anything

good about him. It's always evil. This, and dishonor that!

Plus, he explains in a huff. He doesn't WANT

to give up Chryseis. He likes her better than his wife

Thinks she's prettier, nicer and more talented

Oh, and BTW. HE's the king

He will not just sit around and let Achilles have a prize

while he goes without one

So then, he proposes a deal. He'll send Cryseus packing but he will take Briseis

Achilles' prize instead

Hearing this plan, Achilles then calls Agamemnon's bluff and raises

Achilles: OH, Heck no

I'm not gonna be giving up MY prize, okay

I earned her. Just give up the girl. I mean

you said it yourself. YOU'RE the king.

It's your responsibility

Agamemnon grows red in the face

Agamemnon: I'll give up the girl

but there is NO WAY I'll let YOU keep

a prize while I don't have one

I deserve a prize

Achilles, now fuming, couldn't help but laugh

Achilles: Ha ha ha. Deserve? HA HA. That's rich

because we do all the work and you just sit around camp

all day, ''collecting prizes''

Agamemnon: okay. Alright. You're just challenging me because

you're jealous. Well you're not BETTER than me

I am the king and I do what i want.

and what I want is to send Chryseis back

and take Briseis away from you

deal with it

Rage and anguish overcame Achilles and he was moments away from striking

Agamemnon down where he stood.

But then Athena, who saw what was cooking, rushed down to intervene

Freezing time to have a little chat with Achilles. She told him

to calm down and not be rash

If he can endure humiliation now and cut

Agamemnon down with his words, RATHER than his blade,

He will be rewarded three fold in the future

PLUS, the Gods had plans for Agamemnon

Time then unfroze, and figuring

it wasn't the worst plan to have the Gods hold a favor

rather than resort to violence, Achilles unleashed

such a tirade of insults against Agamemnon

that the entire camp was left totally speechless

Achilles: FINE

If you really want it to be that way

Then I'll just take MY ships and MY armies

And go home. Because i'm tired

of spending MY time HOWLING in riches

FOR A LAZY, DOG-FACED, COWARDLY KING !

Agamemnon : GO AHEAD AND RUN

YOU'RE ONLY AS POWERFUL AS YOU ARE BECAUSE

THE GODS GIVE YOU SPECIAL TREATMENT ANYWAY

Agamemnon: Run all the way home if it makes you happy

but know that before you do

I WILL take Breseis away from you.

And everyone else will know better than to ever

CHALLENGE ME !

And once the parading had completed, he stormed out in a huff and went back to his camp

With the matter "settled", Odyseus packs up Chryseis

to send her home

And Achilles, Still sulking, remembers Athena's words

If he just puts up with this now, he'll win in the end

But even so, as the guards take Briseis away

Achilles cries and begins to pray to his mother,

the sea nymph, Thetis

She coalesces from the sea foam and mist before her weeping son

and asks him what is wrong

He fills her in on the details and then begs her

to appeal to the King of the Gods (Zeus). You know. Since her and Zeus are

such ''old' friends'', and ask him

to make the Achaeans suffer a great loss to the Trojans as punishment for

humiliating Achilles and taking away his prize

Thetis then goes to Zeus and asks for this favour.

But he is hesitant. Because, you see.

He doesn't wanna go against his wife, Hera, who had supported the Achaean side

of the war. Ever since Paris slided her

And they already fight so often in front of the OTHER Gods, he doesn't

wanna any fuel to that fire

On the other hand, Thetis is an old ''friend'' and you know.

I mean Achilles is almost like a son to him

So reluctantly, Zeus agrees. Though he knows

Hera will be furious when she finds out

And as the armies and the besieged Trojans

slept on Earth that night and the Gods slept high above

Zeus lay awake, trying to think how he might bring honor

to Achilles while dishonoring the Achaeans.

Then suddenly. Inspiration strikes him

He sends Agamemnon a dream, which says that

the Gods are no longer divided and have now decided

that the Achaeans will win the war

So if they attack the Trojans in full force,

the Gods will be with them and they will be victorious

Agamemnon awakes with a start and rejoices

He knows the dreams come from the gods

and if they have his back, then he doesn't even NEED Achilles to win

Excitedly, he then hatches a plan

So crazy, it just might work

And the next morning, as the goddess Dawn brushed

away the twilight with her rosy fingers

Agamemnon orders the Achaean forces

to prepare for war

And we'll tell you all about how that particular dream

plan turned out next time (Fin)

Legendary thanks to Ahmed Ziad Turk, Alicia Bramble

Casey Muscha, Dominic Valenciana, Gunnar Clovis,

Kyle Murgatroyd, and Orels1 for helping to make this show

possible.