Homer tells us Iliad —, as per the Chicago Homer :. First of all he forged a shield that was huge and heavy, elaborating it about, and threw around it a shining triple rim that glittered, and the shield strap was cast of silver. There were five folds composing the shield itself, and upon it, he elaborated many things in his skill and craftsmanship.
The description makes clear that the shield was round. Hephaestus adds figurative decorations: he modells the world, the sky, and the seas, the sun, the moon, and all the stars and constellations ll.
Having set the scene, he adds two cities: one a city under siege and the other a city in times of peace. In the latter city, a marriage and festivals are shown to take place, with people dancing and making music. But even in this peaceful city, there is conflict. As we see elsewhere in the Iliad , a public assembly of any sort always draws a crowd, and in this case, too, the people assembled proclaim loudly their support for one side or the other, while heralds try to keep them in check and the wise elders of the city sit on benches and confer with one another.
The other city on the shield is under siege by a hostile army the Greek suggests two armies, duo stratoi , which has caused some confusion. The besiegers are currently in assembly. Opinion among them is divided: should they try to storm and sack the city or should they accept a bribe from the besieged amounting to half of all the valuables in the city cf.
A pair of lions seizes a bull from the front and proceed to devour it. A pack of dogs and herdsmen run to aid, but it is too late. The smith also forges a meadow for the flocks to graze and a dancing circle for young boys and girls to court and dance. The scene brings forth a festive and joyous mood. As you can see, the shield of Achilles is a finely detailed and intricate piece of craftsmanship suitable for a god. Not only do they hold beauty in the intricacies, but they also serve to represent the larger story of the Iliad and the war between the Achaeans and the Trojans.
It serves to remind the reader of what has taken place, as shown in the battle scenes while setting the scene for what is to come. It acts as a pause for the reader to step back and absorb the meaning of the events prior, and foreshadows the fall of Troy. If we have helped you, please help us fix his smile with your old essays Location Location is the arrangement and presentation of physical and temporal elements in a work. Throughout The Iliad of Homer, the constant theme of death is inherently apparent.
Each main…. Tutor and Freelance Writer. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Article last reviewed: St. Skip to content. The Shield of Achilles: Symbol in Iliad. This done, whate'er a warrior's use requires He forged; the cuirass that outshone the fires, The greaves of ductile tin, the helm impress'd With various sculpture, and the golden crest.
At Thetis' feet the finished labour lay: She, as a falcon cuts the aerial way, Swift from Olympus' snowy summit flies, And bears the blazing present through the skies. Translated by Alexander Pope.
This poem is in the public domain. The Iliad, Book I, Lines Anger be now your song, immortal one, Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous, that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss and crowded brave souls into the undergloom, leaving so many dead men--carrion for dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done. Among the gods, who brought this quarrel on? Homer The Odyssey, Book XXIII, [The Trunk of the Olive Tree] An old trunk of olive grew like a pillar on the building plot, and I laid out our bedroom round that tree, lined up the stone walls, built the walls and roof, gave it a doorway and smooth-fitting doors.
Then I lopped off the silvery leaves and branches, hewed and shaped that stump from the roots up into a bedpost, drilled it, let it serve as model for the rest. I planed them all, inlaid them all with silver, gold and ivory, and stretched a bed between--a pliant web of oxhide thongs dyed crimson. That wrath which hurl'd to Pluto's gloomy reign The souls of mighty chiefs untimely slain; Whose limbs unburied on the naked shore, Devouring dogs and hungry vultures tore.
Since great Achilles and Atrides strove, Such was the sovereign doom, and such the will of Jove! Declare, O Muse! Academy of American Poets Educator Newsletter. Teach This Poem. Follow Us. Find Poets. Poetry Near You. Jobs for Poets. Read Stanza. Privacy Policy. Press Center. First Book Award. James Laughlin Award. Ambroggio Prize. Dear Poet Project.
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