Literature of Greece

Homer
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Is an ancient Greek poet

Tradition held he was blind
In Greek, his name is Homeros means hostage
Theory: his named was derived from Homeridai the name of the society of
poets, means sons of hostage

Iliad
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Very strong religious& supernatural elements

Action of Iliad covers only a few weeks of the 10th and final years in Trojan War
It centers on Achilles who embodies the Greek heroic ideal
1st world Homers Iliad is rage or wrath & the major theme of Iliad is wrath of

Achilles
The story is about Agamemnon dishonor Achilles
Achilles withdraws from fighting & Greek suffer, defeated by Trojans
Achilles return and have his revenge, he killed Hector
ENDING: the Burial of Hector

The Judgments of Paris

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The marriage of mortal Peleus & the immortal Thetis = parents of Achilles
In the Banquet, all gods are invited except Eris- the goddess of Discord
She appears & throws a golden apple, inscribed with words to the Fairest

3 goddess claim the apple

1. Athena- goddess of Wisdom
2. Hera- queen of Gods
3. Aphrodite- goddess of love

Athena

Hera

Aphrodite

Zeus command Hermes to lead the 3 goddess to Paris

3 Goddess offers to Paris
1.
2.
3.
-

Athena- infinite wisdom & equal amount of influence over man

Hera- promise great kingdom & lordship over may men
Aphrodite- love of the most beautiful women in the world
Paris decides and chose Aphrodite

Helen
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the daughter of Zeus

Most beautiful woman in the

world
The wife of Menelaus

Menelaus the brother of Agamemnon, the king of Greece

Hecuba
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wife of King Priam

She dream that she give birth to firebrand, that the city of Troy is burning to
the ground

Seer Aisacros- tells the baby would cause the destruction of Troy
Priam commands Agelaus, the chief herdman, to kill the baby
He leaves the baby to Mount Ida to die
5 days = baby still alive