The Roles of Religion and Ethics in Homer's The Illiad
Homer clearly and precisely depicts the religion and the ethics of the Achian and Trojan societies in The Iliad. During the time of the Trojan War, religion played an important role in the societies. Sacrifice, prayer, and rituals were all equally significant, and the superiority of the gods and the fates above humans were a standard of society. The gods were sacred deities to whom one had to bestow honor and respect. Within the society, honor, glory, and fame were desperately sought by warriors striving to achieve enduring notoriety. One's word represented a considerable commitment to be acted upon. Religion and ethics are prominently displayed in the characters throughout The Iliad due to their importance in Greek and Trojan society. The characters' religious dedication is evident through their sacrifice, prayer, and rituals: "King Agamemnon sacrificed...a fat bull of five years" and prayed to Zeus for success in battle against the Trojans. Meanwhile, the Achian soldiers "prayed to be spared from death in the maul of war." Later, when Patroclos, an Achian soldier, body is recovered, twelve noble sons of Troy are sacrificed in his funeral pyre. Sacrifices are performed to honor the gods or obtain their favor.
The most important goal of the Achian protagonist Achilles, the Trojan commander Hector, and all other warriors is to remain ethical while in battle, for fame in battle is the ultimate honorable achievement they can achieve. However, if they achieve glory unethically, they are a disgrace and are not respected. Achilles' bravery and glory are proven in his battle against Hector, but his thoughts are on Patroclos, his noble companion. Achilles is bound to beget revenge of Patroclos' death by moral obligation and does so with vengeance, stating, "not one [Trojan] shall escape death [for killing Patroclos]." Immediately after killing Hector, Achilles reminds the Achians that "Patroclos lies...unmourned, unburied!" and he proceeds to honor him. Achilles is unique in his adherence to ethics despite his frequent petulant actions. Achilles must revenge Patroclos and die in battle to be remembered as a hero. Although he regrets this decision, his sacrifice and honor to achieve fame is commended by his peers in The Iliad. The Greek and Trojan societies believe that a soul remains restless and can not enter Hades until proper funeral rites are conferred. Funeral rites were paramount for those who had been killed in battle. An example of their determination to ensure a proper funeral can be found after the duel between the powerful
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Approximate Word count = 903
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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