Iliad Blog Post Group B

In my readings of the Iliad, I found it most interesting and conversation worthy when a character's athleticism is put on display. I believe the question of what comprises athleticism is a theme of the epic and also a theme of this class. We read of historic warriors because they depict what we believe embodies athleticism. Not only are they strong and fast, but they have innate characteristics that are essential for leading and competing at such high levels. I enjoyed reading of the athletic competition put on by Achilles after Patroclus' burial, because not only did it display athletic competition but also divine intervention.

On a personal level, this competition was very familiar and meaningful to me being that it was a multi-event competition, because I compete in the decathlon. I'm a firm believer that for someone to be considered athletic they must possess multiple facets of athleticism, and a competition of a boxing match, wrestling match, archery, a foot race, a throwing event, and chariot race displays a lot of different qualities. I find it interesting that they hold an event like this as a celebration, showing that athletics and athletes are very high valued. It seems they do this to honor not only the dead but also the Gods. This is that important to them, that even the Goddess Athena would interfere in multiple events not only helping some win, but making others lose. "She swept in speed to the shepherd of the people and gave him back his whip, and inspired strength into his horses... She, a goddess, smashed his chariot yoke" (Book 23 line 389-392) It's as though the Gods see such events as battles and as they intervene in war, they intervene in athletics.

I also enjoyed the drama the events provided, because the suspenseful scenes are good fast pace change from the typical scenes in the Iliad. The dialogue in this scene can give you a sense of how passionate these warriors are making the scene more exciting. "Come on, you two. Pull, as fast as you can!" (Book 23 line 403-404). This is Antilochos crying out to his horses to will him to victory. This is something that I believe is a component to great athleticism, having passion about your ability. When a man is physically fit but doesn't have pride in himself or doesn't care about winning, it takes away from the mental aspect of athleticism, which I think is a large component. Not only do this men really want to win for the prizes but there's also pride on the line making this even more exciting.


Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 17, 2018 at 4:40 PM

    I noticed the part about the multi-event competitions. Odysseus, the protagonist, wasn't just good at archery. He was known to be fast, the best at discus, and combat. In addition he's known for being cunning. This probably plays into sophrosune, where athleticism is about being a warrior, which is about having multiple talents.

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  2. UnknownSeptember 17, 2018 at 6:58 PM

    I found the last paragraph very interesting; where you explained how the mental aspect is involved in athleticsim. I agree that this is a huge component to being an all-around athlete. You need to be focused and determined when competing. You can have all of the talent in the world but if you do not put in effort, it will not get you anywhere.

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2018 at 4:22 PM

    This blog post was very interesting to me. I also believe that to be an athlete, you must possess a lot of different qualities. Not only are some athletes dominant at their sport, they are also significant leaders and are great role models. One last thing; competing in the decathlon is extremely difficult and I have respect for someone for doing such a physical, yet mental sport. Keep up the great work!

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