Mourning is Eternal—And Proceeds from Iron Age: Homer’s Pathos of Achilles and Hector (original) (raw)

2017, Anuari de Filologia: Llengües i Literatures Modernes

Homeric heroes know the consequences of combat, of their own possible death and an enemy’s, with the impact of either upon persons nearest and dearest. A malicious taunt reminds a foeman of what his death will mean to old parents, to young wife, and to other relatives. A warrior’s own premonition of falling in battle before a superior fighter and/or by Fate or deadly intervention of a hostile god may add his child or children to those who will miss and mourn him. The Iliad -poet anticipates the painful aftermath of demigod Achilles’ coming death for his irregular family, which includes a divine mother who will mourn him forever. “Homer” dramatizes the pain of mortal Hector’s death, first expected then effected, for a family many of whom we have met, from aged parents to infant son. Hector’s slaying, linked by Fate to that of Achilles, is the key event. It leads to a sublime reconciliation between Achilles, his killer, and Priam, his devastated father. Hector’s mother, however, and h...