Students are to complete the following assignment:
The Iliad-Book 5 20pts
Book 5 chronicles the first Aristeia in The Iliad. Explain why Diomedes is capable in this scene. What does Athena ask of Ares and why?
Then Pallas Athena gave Diomedes, son of Tydeus, strength and courage, so among all Argives, he'd stand out and win heroic glory.She made his helmet blaze with tireless flames,his shield as well—like a late star in summerwhich shines especially bright, newly risen from its bathin Ocean's streams. Around his head and shouldersthe goddess put a fiery glow, then drove him forward, right into the middle of the strife, the killing zone,where most warriors fight.
Then Athena, eyes glittering, took her brother, headstrong Ares, by the hand, [30]and said to him:
"Ares, Ares, insatiable man-killer,destroyer of cities, why don't we leaveTrojans and Achaeans to fight it out?Father Zeus will make one group victorious.Let's withdraw, avoiding Zeus' anger."
Explain the first Homeric simile about Diomedes. Why is it unclear which side he is fighting on? What gift does Athena give Diomedes? What is her reason for doing this? What does this tell you about the nature of the gods?
Thus these men kept toiling in the battle frenzy.As for Diomedes, you couldn't tell where he belonged, whether among the Trojans or Achaeans. For he rushed across the plain like a swollen river,like a swift winter torrent bursting dikes—no dam put in its way can hold it back, 100no barrier of fruitful vineyards check its current, [90]as all at once it floods when storms from Zeus roar down.It knocks aside all fine things built by farmers,hard-working men. That's how the son of Tydeus drove the dense ranks of Trojans into mass confusion.For all their numbers they could not contain him. Lycaon's fine son saw Diomedes moving fast along the plain, pushing Trojan ranks in front of him,in complete disorder. He quickly bent his bow, taking aim at Diomedes. He shot an arrow 110 and hit him on his sculpted body armour, in the right shoulder. The sharp arrow went in there,kept going, and splattered blood down on the curving metal. [100]At this Lycaon's noble son gave out a noisy shout:
As Diomedes prayed, Pallas Athena heard.She put fresh strength into his legs and upper arms. 140Standing close by, she spoke. Her words had wings.
"Take courage, Diomedes, in this fight with Trojans.I've put your father's strength into your chest, that shield-bearing horseman's fearless power.And I've removed the filter from your eyeswhich covered them before, so now,you'll easily distinguish gods from men.If a god comes here and stands against you,don't offer to fight any deathless one, [130]except for Aphrodite, Zeus' daughter. 150If she fights, cut her with your sharp bronze."
As Diomedes prayed, Pallas Athena heard.She put fresh strength into his legs and upper arms. 140Standing close by, she spoke. Her words had wings.
"Take courage, Diomedes, in this fight with Trojans.I've put your father's strength into your chest, that shield-bearing horseman's fearless power.And I've removed the filter from your eyeswhich covered them before, so now,you'll easily distinguish gods from men.If a god comes here and stands against you,don't offer to fight any deathless one, [130]except for Aphrodite, Zeus' daughter. 150If she fights, cut her with your sharp bronze."
What heroic elements does Diomedes display in this section? What is expressed through his dialogues? Why is dialogue included during the battle?
Strong Diomedes, with a scowl, answered Sthenelus:
"Don't talk of moving back. For I know wellyou won't persuade me. By birth it's not in me to shirk war or seek refuge. My spirit's strong. 300 Nor am I keen to climb up in the chariot.I'll go to fight them as I am, on foot.Pallas Athena does not allow meto withdraw in fear. Their horses may be fast,but they'll not carry them both back again,away from us, even if one escapes.
Unperturbed, powerful Diomedes said to him: 340
"You're wrong. You haven't hit me. In my view, this matter won't end for the two of you,until one of you falls dead, and his bloodsatisfies in full hard warlike Ares."
That said, he threw his spear. Athena guided it[290]straight to Pandarus' nose, directly by the eyes. It smashed through his white teeth. The tireless bronze sliced through his tongue at its root, coming out his chin, right at the tip.
Examine Diomedes’ treatment of Aphrodite in this section. Why would this be considered not only acceptable but heroic?
But Diomedes with his ruthless bronze had gone [330]to run down Aphrodite—knowing she was not a god who could do much in battle, not one of thosewho control men's wars. She was no Athena, no goddess Strife, who destroys whole cities.He chased her through the crowded battle zone.When he met her, great-hearted Tydeus' soncharged, lunging with his sharp spear at Aphrodite.His weapon wounded her slim wrist, piercing the skin above her hand, right through her godlike robe, a garment the Graces had made for her themselves. 400 Immortal divine fluid then flowed out, ichor, which circulates only in the blessed gods. [340]They don't eat food or drink down gleaming wine.Hence, they lack blood, and men call them immortal. Aphrodite screamed wildly and let go of her son. But Phoebus Apollo caught him in his hands,then shielded him with a dark cloud, just in case some fast-riding Danaan threw a spear into his chest and took away his life. Then Diomedes, expert in war cries, shouted loudly:
"Daughter of Zeus, leave war and fights alone. Isn't it enough for you to fool around with feeble women? If you start loitering on the battlefield,[350]I think the war will make you shake with terror,even though you learn about it from a distance."
Explain the Homeric simile used for Diomedes on these pages. What is significant about the reference to Achilles? What does Athena want Diomedes to do next? Why? Examine the relationship between Zeus and Ares. Based on Diomedes’ actions in Book 5, explain whether or not you feel he is heroic based on today’s standards and your opinion. You must then explain why the Greeks feel he is heroic.
They reached that place where most of the bravest men were fighting, in a crowd by mighty Diomedes, tamer of horses,like lions who eat raw meat or wild boars whose strength is not easily exhausted. In that place Hera, white-armed goddess, stood up, looking just like Stentor,a great-hearted, loud-throated man, whose voice could shoutwith the strength of fifty men. Hera cried out:
"Shame on you, you Argive warriors.You're a disgrace, good only for display. When lord Achilles used to go to battle, the Trojans didn't dare to venture outbeyond the Dardanian gates. They fearedhis mighty spear. But now they're fighting well outside the city, by our hollow ships."
Ares
First he attacked Aphrodite and struck her on the wrist. Then he charged me, even me, like a god. But my quick feet took me away. If not, I'd be in lasting pain with the fearful dead,or have barely lived, wounded by bronze spears."
Scowling at him, cloud-gatherer Zeus replied:
"You hypocrite, don't sit there whining at me.Among the gods who live on Mount Olympus, you're the one I hate the most. For you love war, constant strife and battle.
