In Conclusion

Upon the end of the great war, I am satisfied with my standing. Having been primarily encouraging of the Greeks throughout this grand ordeal, I am contented with the fall of the Trojans. Hektor's death pleasures me in symbolism. The will of Zeus has been accomplished and the world abides according to the Gods as it should. I am contented.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Greek_Mythology/Gods/Athena#mediaviewer/File:Patung_Pallas_Athena.jpg

Hektor's Funeral

Achilleus realizes he has been tricked as he faces Hektor, who is consequently contemplating his fate. As Achilleus approaches, Hektor runs away, motivated by cowardly fear. Much to my displeasure, Zeus wishes to help Hektor. I squash this idea as best and coyly as I can, instead prompting the approval of my aid to Achilleus. I disguise myself as Deïphobos, his very brother, before Hektor and convince him to return to face Achilleus through the comfort of my aid. Hektor asks Achilleus for a mutual understanding of fair treatment of the body of the fallen warrior, but Achilleus refuses. Falling victim to my trick with ease, Hektor obliges to his own demise as I vanish and Achilleus proceeds to kill him. Standing over his body, Achilleus screams of his ill intentions to mistreat his body and deprive him of proper burial. The Achaeans desecrate the corps before Achilleus drags it behind his chariot. Andromache mourns.

More ceremonies commence as Patroklos receives his proper burial ceremony, only after which does Achilleus eat and groom.

For twelve long days, Achilleus proceeds to try desecrating Hektor’s body to no consequence. Apollo is busy keeping it pristine. This is not an endearing action for a warrior, it is not something done so readily, although I myself do not have a problem with it. After being approached by Priam, Achilleus is able to relate on a personal level and agrees to hand over the body for burial. They feast and Achilleus agrees to withhold his troops for twelve days. That night, Priam decides to sleep outside his teat amongst the stars, making it easy for Hermes to deliver the message of suggestion regarding not sleeping amongst ones enemy. Priam, Idaeus, and Hektor’s body escape via chariot unnoticed, to the great grief of the Trojans, whose representative woman cry out in sorrow.

It is not until his feat with Priam and his head lay down to sleep that Achilleus officially looses his μῆνις. With the war at an end, I am contented with the outcome of Greek success and feel as if my job has been done. Both immortals and men may now rest.

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/HistoricityOfTheIliad.html

Theomachia

Presenting Achilles with the elaborate armor forged by Hephaestus, Thetis promises to attend to Patroclus's body while Achilles goes to battle. It is then that Achilles makes the announcement of his intentions to go to war via a speech to the assembly where he additionally announces the end of his μῆνις.  The ever reasonable Odysseus, however, has to remind god-like Achilles of mortal mens need to feed. Begrudgingly, Achilleus delays battle to allow his soldiers to eat while he himself attests his refusal to nourish himself until he is able to exert retribution on Hektor by slaying him. Overtook with emotion, Achilles continues to mourn Patroclus. Taking pity on Achilles' loss, Zeus directs me to instill a  sense of satiety to him so as to prevent undernourished fatigue.

As both armies prepare themselves for battle, Zeus summons the gods. Zeus proceeds to lift the veil of divine intervention and each and every god shoots down to the moral world, overlooking the battle prior to definitive involvement. Achilles and Aeneas try their hardest to offend one another, spewing insults. Poseidon, however, whisks Aeneas away before any damage can be done. Hektor then provokes battle with Achilles only to fail miserably and be whisked away by Apollo yet again.

Just so completely overcome with emotion over the miniscule blemish in his skin from the time I encouraged Diomedes to spear him, Ares spews harsh words of provocation on me. In response I take a hand stone, seemingly insignificant, and hit Ares in the neck with it, causing him to spread over seven acres in his fall. I laugh at this pathetic sight, standing over his body, and acclaim in triumph: “You child; you did not think e ven this time how much stronger I can claim I am than you, when you match your furty again me. Therefore you are paying atonement to your mother’s furies since she is angry and wishes you ill, because you abandoned the Achaians, and have given your aid to the insolent Trojans,” (410).

Intense battle ensues. Achilleus divides the Trojans into two waves, one of which is corralled toward the riverbank. Achilles decimates Lycaon followed by the slay of Asteropaeus. Fueled by his vengeful rage of Patroclus, Achilleus goes on a Trojan killing spree, tossing the corpses into the river. It is then that the river requests Apollo's aid. In response to this request Achilles directs his attacks to the river itself, only to be draged downstream on the brink of death. Always in favor of the Greeks, however, Hera ignites fire against the river until he is forced into submission. Igniting a sense of argument within the Gods, bickering and disagreement occur. Cognizant of the great extent of loss, Priam opens the gates to Troy and the troops flee. Achilles fights with Agenor until he nearly faces death, allowing the Trojans to return to Troy.

Although Achilleus announces so publicly the ending of his μῆνις, I being a wise and knowledgeable God know that this is not the case. Achilleus’ μῆνις is still present with a simple shift in direction: instead of focusing his anger on the Greeks, it is now directed toward Trojan forces. Another namely mention of Achilleus is his godlike essence. Dear to my heart for this very understanding, Godlike Achilleus demonstrates his superiority and inhuman endurance by asserting his fast from food until the avengement of slain Patroklos. It is in his speaking that I am stirred and plummeted from the sky before him, “dropping the delicate ambrosia and the nectar inside the breast of Achilleus softly, so no sad weakness of hunger would come on his knees,” (353). I thought ambrosia and nectar to have the most satiety for a warrior so Godlike as Achilleus, within his capabilities mirroring the Gods themselves. This aristeia is present in other facets as well. Often described as illustrated by fiery imagery, Achilleus mirrors the Gods. He even attacks a God to no consequence!

It must be noted as well that if Achilleus were left to his own devices, absent from the influence of the ever-powerful Gods, he would overcome his own fate and survive the war by way of his own account, such is his gift.

After the assembly of all the immortal Gods and its associated instruction to enter battle amongst the mortals, I “bellowed standing now beside the ditch dug at the wall’s outside and now again as the thundering sea’s edge gave out [my] great cry,” (48) while Ares did the same from the opposite direction. It is a great sight to have seen this, every God plummeting down at once, allocating to which side they assert their pledge of aid…

The Death of Patroclos

Desperate to wear his armor, Patroclus spews to Achilleus the hardships of the Greeks . Achilleus agrees and the two exchange armor, followed by a prayer to Zeus that Patroclus returns unharmed in addition to the ships returning unharmed. This we know to be unlikely. Patroclus is able to slaughter a great deal of brave men, including Sarpedon, to the angering of Zeus. It is within this anger that Zeus decides to kill Patroclus through the help of Apollo and Hektor.  Hektor stands over Patroclus, taunting him in his last moments only to be bemused by the foretelling of his own death. By acting shamefully in his taunting of the mortally wounded, Hektor diminishes his ability to claim any credit for the killing, although some τιμή will become his. Upon Patroclus' death, Euphorbus first tries to retrieve Achilles' armor from him but is brutally killed in pursuit.  Ajax and Menelaus are able to protect the body from desecration despite Hektor retrieving the armor for himself. 

In understanding of Hektor's ominous fate, Zeus enstils great power to Hektor, knowing all the well his futile prospects at living. As the Achaeans force the Trojans to run, Aeneas summons the fleeing men to turn around and prepare for battle. In an effort to secure the chariot, Hektor unsuccessfully throws a spear at Automedon, who dodges the attack and instead strips a then slain Trojan of his armor under the understanding that it eases the grief of Patroclus's spirit. Not cool.

It is then that I decide, disguised as a Phoenix, to give renewed strength to Menelaus. Zeus directs battle toward Trojan favor as Meriones and Menelaus carry Patroclus's body off.

Achilles loses his grip when he discovers Patroclus died. His sorrow is so great that he flails around like a wet dust cloth, crying continually. Thetis hears Achilles' pain and appears amongst an army of water-nymphs, lending an ear of comfort. Vowing to avenge Hektor, Achilleus agrees to Thetis' request to hold off until a new set of armor is made. Prompted by, Hera, Achilles appears on the battlefield alongside me and lets out a freightning cry that scares off the Trojans. Hektor then convinces the Trojans to again enact a full assault, aided by my enchantment of decreased decision-making powers on behalf of the Trojans. Meanwhile, Patroclus' body is prepared for burial pending Achilles' regengeful slay of Hektor. Thetis meanwhile is able to convince Hephaestus to create an elaborate shield for Achilleus in addition to various armor. 

Although Achilleus is a brave and just man, it is within his instruction to Patroclus that I see an audible illustration of his true nature. Like a fitting Greek, Achilleus is primarily concerned first with his τιμή. To obtain this τιμή, Achilleus does so by upholding to the classification of ἄριστος through his godlike combat. Achilleus is indeed the best warrior. Reciting to the doomed man, “But obey to the end this word I put upon your attention so that you can win, for me, great honor and glory in the sight of all the Danaans, so they will bring back to me the lovely girl, and give me shining gifts in addition. When you have driven them from the ships, come back; although later the thunderous lord of Hera might grant you the winning of glory, you must not set your mind on fighting the Trojans, whose delight is in battle, without me. So you will diminish my honor.” (83) It is from the gifting of the lovely girl and the shining gifts that Achilleus seeks to acquire more τιμή. Achilleus only wants to trick the Trojans into thinking it is himself raging on that battlefield. However, he only succeeds in transferring the bullseye of death from one hero to another, to the great, unfortunate sorrow of only himself.

Unfolding

Looking upon the battlefield contended with the progress made, Zeus takes his leave from the fighting. Activities do not quiet in his absence, however, and soon the Achaeans again face the Trojan army. Most notably, Hektor succeeds in killing Amphimachus, as he throws his lance at Teucer who in turn dodges the attack. Enraged by the loss of his grandson at the hands of a Trojan, Poseidon possesses Idomenus with a fitting rage. It is next that Meriones and Idomeneus pair up to lead charge against the Trojans. In their success, Deiphobus becomes wounded amongst the peril of many other Trojans. Wrought with exhaustion are the Trojans, so much so that the fighting spirit within them seems to have withdrawn. In light of this, Hektor agrees to postpone battle only to be awestruck upon viewing of his army, for the majority have been slain. In conclusion of battle, a towering eagle appears alongside Ajax in good omen.

Encouraged and aided by Poseidon, the Achaeans are granted extra strength and continue onward. Focused on aiding the Achaeans, Goddess Hera proceeds to deceive Zeus in an elaborate trick of sexual entrancement. Afterward, Zeus falls asleep in the bed of Hera, allowing Poseidon to steer the Greeks toward successful battle. Ajax succeeds in injuring Hektor, who is then carried off the battlefield, resulting in significant fatalities for the Trojans.

            Upon waking, Zeus surveys the damage done and scolds Hera, “Hopeless one, it was your evil design, your treachery, Hera, that stayed brilliant Hektor from battle, terrified his people. I do not know, perhaps for this contrivance of evil and pain you will win first reward when I lash you with whip strokes” (330).  Frightened by his lashing, Hera tries to blain Poseidon. It is after this that Zeus consoles Hera in his dialogue of how, despite his commitment to aid them, the Trojan army will ultimately fall. Additionally, Zeus predicts that Hektor wil die only after killing Patroclus. Upon their summoning by Hera, Iris guides Poseidon off the battlefield while Apollo grants strength to the Trojans. Aided by powerful Apollo, the Trojans overtake Greek forces, almost succeeding in reaching their camp.

            As I watch this great war unfold before me, I find myself becoming more and more invested in the success of the Achaeans moderately so, for my priorities are ultimately estranged from mortals. It pleases me to see such strategy and commitment on the battlefield. Hera’s role most recently, however, faintly displeases me so. Although I honor the same cunning and manipulative codes, Hera’s assistance to aid the Trojans annoys me. Ultimately though, I am unconcerned. It will not be long until my skills are soon called upon, and so I wait.

Trojan Overthrow

In the middle of the night through muffled conversation, I hear Agamemnon and Menelaos discussing how they will be sending spies to the Trojan camp. Settled on this idea, Nestor rallies volunteers to raid the Trojan camp. Of course Diomedes offers himself alongside his pick of Odysseus, who nobly accepts. Forever conscious as they should be of my influence in battle, I grant the warriors prayers for support as I watch them head out into the night. Soon I get a corresponding vision: Dolon of the Trojans will be infiltrating the Greeks in equal course! However, the two brave Greeks intercept his path and overtake the boy, killing him only after obtaining enemy positions. It pleases me greatly when I see that the armor stripped from Dolon is gifted to me.

Soon, war rages. Agamemnon slaughters everyone in his path, killing many and sparing none. Iphidamas almost gets a gory upper hand on Agamemnon, but is then overtaken to his death, soon followed by his brother Koon. Wounded by Koon, Agamemnon retreats in his chariot as Hektor begins to decimate troops. Paris (a little to excited about it I may add) wounds Diomedes in the foot before he is able to make it off the battlefield to attend to his injury. Sokos gets an unfortunate upper hand on Odysseus for a brief moment wherein he is able to would the great warrior after which he is abruptly killed in recourse. As the battle continues and more men are slaughtered, Menelaos and Aias are able to remove Odysseus from the battlefield before Nestor trucks off Machon to receive aid for his wound. As Nestor tends to Machon, Hektor drives back the fighting as close to the ships as he can and Patroklos sends out to Nestor to discover what happened to result in the injury of Machon. After having to listen for the millionth time about a story from Nestor in his glory days, Patroklos dons Achilleus’ armor and leads the Myrmidons into battle. The Greeks near their defeat.

Approaching an impassable ditch, the Trojans dismount in anticipation of attacking on foot. Here is where the Trojans make a costly mistake by failing to abide by a godly omen presented to them of an eagle dropping a snake. After Sarpedon fires up the warriors with an emotional speech, they charge against a main gate to no avail. It isn’t until brave Hektor uses his superior strength to bust in one of the doors that the Trojans invade the Greek camp.

As this war progresses I begin to prepare myself for battle. Wrought with anticipation as to what Zeus will favor us Gods do next, I contemplate how aloof mortal men are to the will of us Gods.  

http://www.hellenicfoundation.com/History.htm

Achilleus' Uninvolvement

Battle resumes. After speaking with Apollo, we decide to halt the acceleration of death by arranging a contest. After encouragement from Nestor, nine Argives volunteer and Aias wins. During the spear completion with Hektor, I watch like a vulture. After progressing far into the night, the contest is halted on account of the nightfall. When the Trojans suggest a truce for the collection and burial of the fallen, the Greeks agree.  During immortal council, Zeus again references the ominous fate of the Greeks in the fall of their wall after their city has been overtaken.

            Zeus retreats to Mt. Ida, where he has a pleasing view of the battle, after his instruction to the immortal Gods to stay out of it. To my great displeasure, Zeus mentions that the Trojans are fated to win today’s battles. With this in mind the men rage on. In her disobeying of Zeus, Hera summons on Agamemnon the urge to spew words of encouragement to his soldiers in addition to prayer to Zeus. With a bird sign as an omen, the Greeks are instilled again with courage and regain valor. Teukros demonstrates his aristeia, killing many Trojans. He fails in his attempts to kill Hektor, however, and is instead slain by him with a stone. I finally can’t take it anymore and alongside Hera begin to approach the battle via chariot when Zeus catches wind and puts an abrupt stop to it. As night falls, battle ceases. The Trojans camp amongst the plain, intending to lead the attack in the morning. 

            Agamemnon proposes an end to the war through retreat, to much disagreement from Diomedes who shuts the idea down. Nestor recommends to Agamemnon that he ought to apologize to Achilleus, and he agrees. He begins to list all the many things he will give in gift to Achilleus, including Briseis. After feasting, three ambassadors make their speeches concerning Achilleus’ return to battle. Odysseus begins first, attesting to the imminent danger he and his comrades’ face without him. He also speaks in the voice of his father before third repeating Agamemnon’s list of gifts, followed by the rhetorical dangle of Hektor’s death before their eyes. Achilleus rejects this argument, having valid considerations in retort. He again threatens his return home. Phoinix tries next, arguing the dangers of Atê. Although his impassioned speech moves him, he does not comply. The third ambassador, Aias, says simply that he is too un-adherent to societal norms. Now defiantly not participant, Achilleus says he will not only refuse their suggestions to enter battle, but he will never participate until the Trojans have completely burned down the Achaeans ships. Achilles and the others agree to enter battle without him.

The paradox of a true hero is illustrated in Achilleus’ refusal to enter battle, torn between the promise of kλέος through battle or a long and happy life, but not both. For mortals can never have both. As James Statford from the University of Melborne articulated, "Whilst a necessary part of the mortal condition, conflict, suffering and deathare shown to hold within them the vital forces of change, and to reveal the nature of humanity itself,". Suffering and pain bring kλέος that other men sing of, but a man may never sing his own. Achilleus demonstrates good points in regards to his refusal to participate in battle, and even brings understanding to why he refuses the gifts of Agamemnon, a seemingly riskless attainment. Marrying his daughter would simply give Agamemnon an upper-hand on him with the new title of father-in-law, and the possession of his land would pose the same insignificances. In general, these gifts are not a gift at all but instead a debt to be repayed. Nothing is ever free, this I know as well.

http://www.academia.edu/624446/The_Voice_of_Achilles_Communication_Self_and_Spectacle_in_Homers_Iliad