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Kirke to Helen

2006-06-12T18:16:59Z

Sskeldon:

Kirke and Helen are women who manage to remove the fight out of the men. Kirke is a witch who convinces Odysseus to stay on the island with her for a whole year. Mind you, Odysseus has been trying to get home for 10 years. Even when the drug Odysseus took had no affect, "I drank, and the drink failed. But she came forward aiming a stroke with her long stick..." (10. 347-350), Kirke still managed to seduce him and lay in the bed with her, "She swore at once, outright, as I demanded, and after she had sworn, and bound herself, I entered Kirke's flawless bed of love" (10. 377-379). Like Kirke, Helen had her own way of keeping men from fighting. When Helen came to Troy and Paris refused to fight, Hector tried to solve the problem. Helen tried blaming herself in front of Hector to make Hector sit and stay awhile so he would feel sympathy for her, "Come in, rest on this seat with me, dear brother. You are the one hit hardest by the fighting, Hector, you more than all-and all for me, slut that I am," (6. 286-278).

The Odyssey

2006-06-12T18:03:41Z

Sskeldon: /* Comparisons */

[[Image:Chagall-odyssey.jpg|thumb|The Odyssey, by Chagall]] [[Homer]]’s Odyssey is a ''nostos'', or an [[Epic Poetry | epic]] of return, and asks if one can come home again, especially after years of bloody war. In fact, an odyssey is now meant generally as a long journey home, much like [[Odysseus]]’ after the fall of Troy. The Odyssey attempts to remake order after the chaos of war. Odysseus, a young man when [[Agamemnon]] and [[Menelaos]] recruited him for the campaign against Ilium, is now a middle-aged survivor and veteran of that war who must be smarter than the champion [[Achilles]] and the leader Agamemnon in order to return home and set his lands in order. War almost seems easy in the light of Odysseus’ journey — at least in war, he knew his enemies. Enemies during peacetime wear many masks; Odysseus must do the same if he is to survive.

== Summary ==
The ''Odyssey''’s action is spread over twenty-four books, generally half before Odysseus returns home, and half after. Throughout his journey odyesseus grows to be a better person.For a synopsis of each book, see [[The Odyssey Summary]].

== Comparisons ==
* [[Telemakhos to Paris]]
* [[Kirke to Helen]]

== List of Characters ==
===Human Beings===
* [[Telemakhos]]
* [[Odysseus]]
* [[Penelope]]
* [[Nestor]]
* [[Helen]]
* [[Lotus-eaters]]

=== The Women of the ''Odyssey''===
* [[Circe]]
* [[Clytemnestra]]
* [[Kalypso]]
* [[Helen]]
* [[Penelope]]

=== The Supernatural Beings of the ''Odyssey'' ===
* [[Athena]]
* [[Circe]]
* [[Kalypso]]
* [[Polyphemos]]
* [[Poseiden]]
* [[Zeus]]

== The ''Odyssey'' in History ==

== Internal Links ==
* [[Homer]]
* The [[Odyssey: Questions for Consideration]]

== Commentaries ==
* [http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Odysseus.html Odysseus] — A background on the ''Odyssey'' and Odysseus
* [http://www.davidclaudon.com/odyssey/questions.html A Study Guide by David Claudon]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000167.shtml Myth and the Odyssey]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000314.shtml The Odyssey: General Notes]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000313.shtml The Telemachiad] (books 1-4 of the Odyssey)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000038.shtml Odysseus and the Poet]: Notes on Book VIII
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000316.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book IX]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000317.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book X]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000215.shtml Poor Confusing Elpenor]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book XI]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The Odyssey: The Lessons of Hell] (more on Books XI and XII)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000319.shtml The Odyssey: Odysseus’ Return]

== Suggested Reading ==

== Works Cited ==

* Grimal, Pierre. ''Larousse World Mythology''. New Jersey: Chartwheel Books Inc. 1973.

[[Category:World Literature|Odyssey]]

The Odyssey

2006-06-12T18:01:01Z

Sskeldon: /* Comparisons */

[[Image:Chagall-odyssey.jpg|thumb|The Odyssey, by Chagall]] [[Homer]]’s Odyssey is a ''nostos'', or an [[Epic Poetry | epic]] of return, and asks if one can come home again, especially after years of bloody war. In fact, an odyssey is now meant generally as a long journey home, much like [[Odysseus]]’ after the fall of Troy. The Odyssey attempts to remake order after the chaos of war. Odysseus, a young man when [[Agamemnon]] and [[Menelaos]] recruited him for the campaign against Ilium, is now a middle-aged survivor and veteran of that war who must be smarter than the champion [[Achilles]] and the leader Agamemnon in order to return home and set his lands in order. War almost seems easy in the light of Odysseus’ journey — at least in war, he knew his enemies. Enemies during peacetime wear many masks; Odysseus must do the same if he is to survive.

== Summary ==
The ''Odyssey''’s action is spread over twenty-four books, generally half before Odysseus returns home, and half after. Throughout his journey odyesseus grows to be a better person.For a synopsis of each book, see [[The Odyssey Summary]].

== Comparisons ==
* [[Telemakhos to Paris]]

== List of Characters ==
===Human Beings===
* [[Telemakhos]]
* [[Odysseus]]
* [[Penelope]]
* [[Nestor]]
* [[Helen]]
* [[Lotus-eaters]]

=== The Women of the ''Odyssey''===
* [[Circe]]
* [[Clytemnestra]]
* [[Kalypso]]
* [[Helen]]
* [[Penelope]]

=== The Supernatural Beings of the ''Odyssey'' ===
* [[Athena]]
* [[Circe]]
* [[Kalypso]]
* [[Polyphemos]]
* [[Poseiden]]
* [[Zeus]]

== The ''Odyssey'' in History ==

== Internal Links ==
* [[Homer]]
* The [[Odyssey: Questions for Consideration]]

== Commentaries ==
* [http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Odysseus.html Odysseus] — A background on the ''Odyssey'' and Odysseus
* [http://www.davidclaudon.com/odyssey/questions.html A Study Guide by David Claudon]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000167.shtml Myth and the Odyssey]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000314.shtml The Odyssey: General Notes]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000313.shtml The Telemachiad] (books 1-4 of the Odyssey)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000038.shtml Odysseus and the Poet]: Notes on Book VIII
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000316.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book IX]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000317.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book X]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000215.shtml Poor Confusing Elpenor]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book XI]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The Odyssey: The Lessons of Hell] (more on Books XI and XII)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000319.shtml The Odyssey: Odysseus’ Return]

== Suggested Reading ==

== Works Cited ==

* Grimal, Pierre. ''Larousse World Mythology''. New Jersey: Chartwheel Books Inc. 1973.

[[Category:World Literature|Odyssey]]

Telemakhos to Paris

2006-06-12T17:54:18Z

Sskeldon:

Telemakhos could be compared to Paris because of both of their lack of involvement with their "destiny". Despite Telemakhos' character in Book 1, he had no desire to take over his father's house and continue Odysseues' name. He was wishing for his father to come back and remove the suitors from their house instead of taking the responsibility to do it himself, "Telemakhos sitting there unhappy among the suitors, daydreaming, what if his great father came from the unknown world and drove these men like dead leaves through the place, recovering honor and lordship in his own domains?" (1. 140-144). Telemakhos did nothing, like Paris. Paris was one of the reasons they were fighting, because of his lust of a woman named Helen. Yet, he would not fight. Hector his brother tried to imply guilt but Paris just mocked him, "Look, your people dying around the city, the steep walls, dying in arms-and all for you...you saw hanging back from this, this hateful war" (6. 251-256). So both men, Paris and Telemakhos, lay low for no reason other than they might be afraid to fight for what they want or the outcome that might reveal the truth of their destiny.

The Odyssey

2006-06-12T17:41:45Z

Sskeldon:

[[Image:Chagall-odyssey.jpg|thumb|The Odyssey, by Chagall]] [[Homer]]’s Odyssey is a ''nostos'', or an [[Epic Poetry | epic]] of return, and asks if one can come home again, especially after years of bloody war. In fact, an odyssey is now meant generally as a long journey home, much like [[Odysseus]]’ after the fall of Troy. The Odyssey attempts to remake order after the chaos of war. Odysseus, a young man when [[Agamemnon]] and [[Menelaos]] recruited him for the campaign against Ilium, is now a middle-aged survivor and veteran of that war who must be smarter than the champion [[Achilles]] and the leader Agamemnon in order to return home and set his lands in order. War almost seems easy in the light of Odysseus’ journey — at least in war, he knew his enemies. Enemies during peacetime wear many masks; Odysseus must do the same if he is to survive.

== Summary ==
The ''Odyssey''’s action is spread over twenty-four books, generally half before Odysseus returns home, and half after. Throughout his journey odyesseus grows to be a better person.For a synopsis of each book, see [[The Odyssey Summary]].

== Comparisons ==
* [[Telemakhos to Paris]]
* [[Circe to Helen]]

== List of Characters ==
===Human Beings===
* [[Telemakhos]]
* [[Odysseus]]
* [[Penelope]]
* [[Nestor]]
* [[Helen]]
* [[Lotus-eaters]]

=== The Women of the ''Odyssey''===
* [[Circe]]
* [[Clytemnestra]]
* [[Kalypso]]
* [[Helen]]
* [[Penelope]]

=== The Supernatural Beings of the ''Odyssey'' ===
* [[Athena]]
* [[Circe]]
* [[Kalypso]]
* [[Polyphemos]]
* [[Poseiden]]
* [[Zeus]]

== The ''Odyssey'' in History ==

== Internal Links ==
* [[Homer]]
* The [[Odyssey: Questions for Consideration]]

== Commentaries ==
* [http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Odysseus.html Odysseus] — A background on the ''Odyssey'' and Odysseus
* [http://www.davidclaudon.com/odyssey/questions.html A Study Guide by David Claudon]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000167.shtml Myth and the Odyssey]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000314.shtml The Odyssey: General Notes]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000313.shtml The Telemachiad] (books 1-4 of the Odyssey)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000038.shtml Odysseus and the Poet]: Notes on Book VIII
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000316.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book IX]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000317.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book X]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000215.shtml Poor Confusing Elpenor]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The Odyssey: Notes on Book XI]
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000318.shtml The Odyssey: The Lessons of Hell] (more on Books XI and XII)
* [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/~glucas/archives/000319.shtml The Odyssey: Odysseus’ Return]

== Suggested Reading ==

== Works Cited ==

* Grimal, Pierre. ''Larousse World Mythology''. New Jersey: Chartwheel Books Inc. 1973.

[[Category:World Literature|Odyssey]]

The Iliad/Book 16

2006-06-12T17:26:47Z

Sskeldon:

[[Image:Patroclus.jpeg|thumb|Patroclus]]Menoetius’s son Patroclus was the leader in the war for the Acheans. Due to Achilles' unwillingness to become involved in the battle, Patroclus asked to wear his armor and fight only long enough to save the ships. Achilles' armor, warn by Patroclus, intimidated the Trojans and caused them to flee. During this moment Patroclus disobeyed Achilles' order and followed them back to the gates of Troy where Patroclus fought and killed Zeus’ son, Sarpedon. Zeus was tempted to intervene and pluck Sarpedon up and let him lie in the land of Lychia since he was getting beaten so badly. Zeus’ wife, Queen Hera protested against this but told Zeus to do as he wished. Zeus allowed the war to go on and Sarpedon was killed. Sarpedon’s dying words to Glaucus was to avenge his death. Glaucus was injured, he cried a prayer to Apollo, and his injuries were instantly healed and he then prepared for battle. Hector was the hero. The Acheans and the Trojans fought over Sarpedon’s dead body until Zeus told Apollo to have Sleep and Death take Sarpedon’s body into the river and bathe him, anoint him with deathless oils, and take him to Lychia’s green land. During the battle Hector was forced to retreat because he knew that Zeus had tipped the scales against him. Zeus stirred up Apollo’s wrath and he incited Hector to move onward and forward. Apollo attacked Patroclus himself and then Panthous’ son; Euphorbus speared him squarely between the shoulder blades, then Hector finished him off. Patroclus’ dying words were that if Hector had not had the help of the gods, twenty men like him could not have killed him. He told Hector that his days were numbered too. Hector asks, “why prophesize my sudden death, my doom?” He planted his foot in Patroclus’ chest, took the spear from his wound and kicked him over. Patroclus is dead.

[[Category:World Literature]]

The Iliad/Book 16

2006-06-07T17:55:34Z

Sskeldon:

[[Image:Patroclus.jpeg|thumb|Patroclus]]Menoetius’s son Patroclus was the leader in the war for the Acheans. Due to Achilles unwillingness to become involved in the battle, Patroclus asked to wear his armor and fight only long enough to save the ships. Achilles armor, warn by Patroclus, intimidated the Trojans and caused them to flee. During this moment Patroclus disobeyed Achilles order and followed them back to the gates of Troy where Paroclus fought and killed Zeus’s son, Sarpedon. Zeus was tempted to intervene and pluck Sarpedon up and let him lie in the land of Lychia since he was getting beaten so badly. Zeus’s wife, Queen Hera protested against this but told Zeus to do as he wished. Zeus allowed the war to go on and Sarpedon was killed. Sarpedon’s dying words to Glaucus was to avenge his death. Glaucus was injured, he cried a prayer to Apollo, and his injuries were instantly healed and he then prepared for battle. Hector was the hero. The Acheans and the Trojans fought over Sarpedon’s dead body until Zeus told Apollo to have Sleep and Death take Sarpedon’s body into the river and bathe him, anoint him with deathless oils, and take him to Lychia’s green land. During the battle Hector was forced to retreat because he knew that Zeus had tipped the scales against him. Zeus stirred up Apollo’s wrath and he incited Hector to move onward and forward. Apollo attacked Patroclus himself and then Panthous’ son; Euphorbus speared him squarely between the shoulder blades, then Hector finished him off. Patroclus’ dying words were that if Hector had not had the help of the gods, twenty men like him could not have killed him. He told Hector that his days were numbered too. Hector asks, “why prophesize my sudden death, my doom?” He planted his foot in Patroclus’ chest, took the spear from his wound and kicked him over. Patroclus is dead.

[[Category:World Literature]]

The Iliad/Book 16

2006-06-07T17:54:42Z

Sskeldon:

[[Image:Patroclus.jpeg|thumb|Patroclus]]Menoetius’s son Patroclus was the leader in the war for the Acheans. Due to Achilles unwillingness to become involved in the battle, Patroclus asked to wear hhis armor and fight only long enough to save the ships. Achilles armor, warn by Patroclus, intimidated the Trojans and caused them to flee. During this moment Patroclus disobeyed Achilles order and followed them back to the gates of Troy where Paroclus fought and killed Zeus’s son, Sarpedon. Zeus was tempted to intervene and pluck Sarpedon up and let him lie in the land of Lychia since he was getting beaten so badly. Zeus’s wife, Queen Hera protested against this but told Zeus to do as he wished. Zeus allowed the war to go on and Sarpedon was killed. Sarpedon’s dying words to Glaucus was to avenge his death. Glaucus was injured, he cried a prayer to Apollo, and his injuries were instantly healed and he then prepared for battle. Hector was the hero. The Acheans and the Trojans fought over Sarpedon’s dead body until Zeus told Apollo to have Sleep and Death take Sarpedon’s body into the river and bathe him, anoint him with deathless oils, and take him to Lychia’s green land. During the battle Hector was forced to retreat because he knew that Zeus had tipped the scales against him. Zeus stirred up Apollo’s wrath and he incited Hector to move onward and forward. Apollo attacked Patroclus himself and then Panthous’ son; Euphorbus speared him squarely between the shoulder blades, then Hector finished him off. Patroclus’ dying words were that if Hector had not had the help of the gods, twenty men like him could not have killed him. He told Hector that his days were numbered too. Hector asks, “why prophesize my sudden death, my doom?” He planted his foot in Patroclus’ chest, took the spear from his wound and kicked him over. Patroclus is dead.

[[Category:World Literature]]

The Iliad/Book 1

2006-06-07T17:48:42Z

Sskeldon:

[[Image:The Iliad2.jpeg|right]]Apollo’s father, Zeus was married to Hera. They lived in Mt. Olympus. They had a daughter named Athena, and there was the son, the Master Craftsman, Hephaestus. Agamemnon and Achilles both recieved prizes (Chrseis-Agamemnon's and Briseis-Achilles') for winnning a battle. Chryseis father, a priest who serves Apollo offered ransom for his daughter. Agamemnon refused and Chryses prays to Apollo who sends a plague. After man men and animals fall to this plague, Achilles is informed by Calchas about why the plague is here. Agamemnon then responds by saying he will release Chryseis if he can have Briseis, Achilles prize. Achilles is about to draw his sword when Athena had warned Achilles to hold his peace with Agamemnon so he would keep the favor with the gods. Achilles took heed to this warning. He did not strike Agamemnon with the sword, but he still departed on bad terms with him. Both men were at war with each other but Hera, the white-armed goddess loved both men. After Agamemnon set off to sea with Odyssey as his captain, he had vowed that since he had to give up the beauty of Chryseis, the high priest’s daughter, he would take Briseis from Achilles. He did just that, and Achilles was heartbroken. Achilles then prayed to his mother Thetis, (who had been a close friend and help to Zeus) to intervene on his behalf. Zeus knew if he caused Thetis prayer to come to pass, it would stir up trouble with his wife Hera. Zeus granted her wishes anyway. Hera was upset with Zeus, but their son Hephaestus persuaded her to make peace with Zeus because of the simple fact of his strength and power alone. The immortals had a feast with music. Zeus climbed into bed with Hera by his side.

[[Category:World Literature]]

The Iliad/Book 1

2006-06-07T17:48:03Z

Sskeldon:

[[Image:The Iliad2.jpeg|right]]Apollo’s father, Zeus was married to Hera. They lived in Mt. Olympus. They had a daughter named Athena, and there was the son, the Master Craftsman, Hephaestus. Agamemnon and Achilles both recieved prizes (Chrseis-Agamemnon and Briseis-Achilles) for winnning a battle. Chryseis father, a priest who serves Apollo offered ransom for his daughter. Agamemnon refused and Chryses prays to Apollo who sends a plague. After man men and animals fall to this plague, Achilles is informed by Calchas about why the plague is here. Agamemnon then responds by saying he will release Chryseis if he can have Briseis, Achilles prize. Achilles is about to draw his sword when Athena had warned Achilles to hold his peace with Agamemnon so he would keep the favor with the gods. Achilles took heed to this warning. He did not strike Agamemnon with the sword, but he still departed on bad terms with him. Both men were at war with each other but Hera, the white-armed goddess loved both men. After Agamemnon set off to sea with Odyssey as his captain, he had vowed that since he had to give up the beauty of Chryseis, the high priest’s daughter, he would take Briseis from Achilles. He did just that, and Achilles was heartbroken. Achilles then prayed to his mother Thetis, (who had been a close friend and help to Zeus) to intervene on his behalf. Zeus knew if he caused Thetis prayer to come to pass, it would stir up trouble with his wife Hera. Zeus granted her wishes anyway. Hera was upset with Zeus, but their son Hephaestus persuaded her to make peace with Zeus because of the simple fact of his strength and power alone. The immortals had a feast with music. Zeus climbed into bed with Hera by his side.

[[Category:World Literature]]

Priam

2006-06-07T17:38:48Z

Sskeldon:

Priam is son of Laomedon and husband of [[Hecuba]]. Priam is king of Troy at the time of the Achaean expedition against the city. He is father to 50 Trojan warriors including Hector and Paris. In ''Iliad'', [[Homer]] has portrayed him as a kindly older gentleman, courteous to everyone and trying to do his best despite his age and weakened condition. Priam’s treatment towards [[Helen]] is very compassionate, although he has fully right to despise her for what she had brought upon him and his city. He treats Helen like his favorite daughter and refuses to let others maltreat her, at least in his presence. Homer has presented something very tragic about Priam’s character. Priam mourns for his dead children, especially [[Hector]], the greatest and best-loved of all. He never seems to surrender his dignity, even when he is in the most heart-tearing situation where, in order to recover Hector’s body, he is a guest in the home of the man who killed his son. Priam knows, or at least suspects, the upcoming fall of his city to the Achaeans. In the end, Priam is killed by [[Achilles]]’ son, Neoptolemus during the sack of Troy.

Helen

2006-06-07T17:37:16Z

Sskeldon:

Helen of Sparta was the woman that launched a thousand ships and started one of the most memorable wars of literary history. She was the wife of Menelaus. She lived happily with him for a number of years and had a daughter with him, Hermione.

During a visit to Menelaus's home, the King of Troy's son, Paris saw her and was attracted to her. There are many different accounts of Helen. Some have us believing she was abducted by Paris. In others she ran off with him.

Regardless, Paris swept her off her feet took her back to Troy with him where she became his wife. Although she hated herself because of the war that she and Paris caused between the Trojans and the Achaeans. This was the making of Helen of Troy. Helen had several children with Paris. She stayed with him until the Acheans seized the city of Troy almost 19 years later. Here she was reunited with Menelaus and remained at his side for the balance of their lives.

'''Works cited:'''
(www.pantheon.org, 1/10/2004)
(www.about.com, 2004)
(www.bulfinch.org, 1996-2004)

Nestor

2006-06-07T17:33:33Z

Sskeldon:

Nestor’s place in the Iliad was important because he is a wise counselor, and because he motivates the plot. Nestor is the King of Pylos and the oldest Achaean commander. He is the wise old man who only Odysseus equals in his ability to bring order out of disorder. The Greeks believed that an elder man knew more, and here, the Achaeans listened to the wisdom that old Nestor has gained through age. Nestor’s digressive tails frequently motivate a character to perform some necessary action or reveal relevant cultural ideas. His tales are usually paradigmatic (showing parallels by examples) and serve as examples in present situations. Consequently, Nestor’s tales and advice continue to challenge the young Greek men to live up to the heroic ideals that Nestor upheld in the past. He first attempts to settle the dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon. He then advises the Achaeans to build a wall, and afterward, to bury the dead. Next, he suggests the spy mission. Fourth, he advises Agamemnon to send good will ambassadors to Achilles with gifts. He then inspires Patroclus to persuade Achilles to return to battle. Nestor has been proven to be wise and those that he counsels to be wise recognizes his wisdom. There are links to the Odyssey and the Iliad. Nestor becomes the transmitter of memory, which is critical for the immortality of their heroes. In the Iliad, Nestor advises wisdom to the Achaean's military along with giving advice to Agamemnon.

Greek Mythology Link, created and maintained by Carlos Parada.

Cliff Notes: The Iliad: Book Summary and Study Guide

Nestor

2006-06-07T17:32:56Z

Sskeldon:

Nestor’s place in the Iliad was important because he is a wise counselor, and because he motivates the plot. Nestor is the King of Pylos and the oldest Achaean commander. He is the wise old man who only Odysseus equals in his ability to bring order out of disorder. The Greeks believed that an elder man knew more, and here, the Achaeans listened to the wisdom that old Nestor has gained through age. Nestor’s digressive tails frequently motivate a character to perform some necessary action or reveal relevant cultural ideas. His tales are usually paradigmatic (showing parallels by examples) and serve as examples in present situations. Consequently, Nestor’s tales and advice continue to challenge the young Greek men to live up to the heroic ideals that Nestor upheld in the past. He first attempts to settle the dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon. He then advises the Achaeans to build a wall, and afterward, to bury the dead. Next, he suggests the spy mission. Fourth, he advises Agamemnon to send good will ambassadors to Achilles with gifts. He then inspires Patroclus to persuade Achilles to return to battle. Nestor has been proven to be wise and those that he counsels to be wise recognizes his wisdom. There are links to the Odyssey and the Iliad. Nestor becomes the transmitter of memory, which is critical for the immortality of their heroes. In the Iliad, Nector advises wisdom to the Achaean's military along with giving advice to Agamemnon.

Greek Mythology Link, created and maintained by Carlos Parada.

Cliff Notes: The Iliad: Book Summary and Study Guide

Achilles

2006-06-07T17:22:35Z

Sskeldon:

[[Image:Achilles-chiron.jpg|thumb|The education of Achilles]]Achilles was the son of the sea nymph, [[Thetis]], and [[Peleus]], king of the [[Myrmidons]] of Thessaly.

The story of Achilles (The Greek hero) is that his mother dipped him into the River Styx to make him immortal. This made him invulnerable except for the heel by which his mother held him. Achilles was the son of the sea nymph, Thetis, and Peleus, king of the Myrmidons of Thessaly.

When Agamemnon, the king of Mycenean took the maiden Briseis from him, Achilles withdrew from the battle. The Trojans started winning the war when Achilles and his soldiers, the Myrmidons, refused to fight in battle. Patroclus, Achilles dearest friend, led the Greeks into battle and was later killed by Hector. Achilles returned to battle to avenge his friend’s death and slew Hector because the armor Hector was wearing was Achilles'. Therefore he knew the weak points in the armor and was able to kill him. Achilles then drug Hector's body through the streets behind a chariot despite Hector's plea that requested his body be given back to Troy. In the last battle of the Trojan War Achilles killed the king of the Ethiopians. Then he led his troops to Troy where he meets death by an arrow to his heel by Paris.

== Works Cited ==
* [http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/achilles.html Achilles] Hunter, James, 1/11/2004.

[[Category:World Literature]]