This section contains 202 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) |
In his epic poems, Homer tells of ancient Greek and Trojan heroes who fought a war in the thirteenth century B.C. Most scholars today believe that such a war was actually fought in the Bronze Age, but the details were already steeped in myth and legend when Homer transcribed the events. Achilles and the other Greek heroes reflect the culture of Mycenaean society, a patriarchal and bellicose world in which only kings and princes were important enough to be preserved for history. The gods that are portrayed are immortal, more powerful than humans but just as flawed with weaknesses and desires.
The terrible Trojan War is instigated by a quarrel between three goddesses, and is then needlessly prolonged because of the bickering of two heroes. Helen, whose beauty inflames the combatants, is one of many women in the tale who become pawns of the rich and powerful...
This section contains 202 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) |