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.