Sunday, November 30, 2008
Iliad ch 1-5
I think the story so far is entertaining in a sense. I look at the gods and how they have petty arguments, and then go kill mortals and have mortals wounding them, etc. I think it's funny reading about it, and had the story been intended to be pure fiction, with gods created solely for the purpose of the story it would have been more enjoyable. But knowing that people actually prayed to and believed in gods that were as prone to petty squabbles as the mortals they're supposed to be ruling over seems to be a little pathetic. Pathetic is a little harsh, but I can't think of a less extreme word that still works. All in all, I think the gods are quite childish and I have a hard time thinking of them as "gods" per se as opposed to just ordinary people who are good at fighting.
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12 comments:
I agree that the Iliad is entertaining but I think we, as 21st century people, must be somewhat sensitive/understanding about the way societies worked thousands of years ago.
The way Homer confronts the gods in the story was an accurate portrayal of the way Achaeans thought of their immortal influences. Nevertheless, I understand how you can see it this way.
I agree with Ed on the basis that the involvment of the gods seems somewhat childish. Instead of providing safety and security for the people that pray to them, they are busy fighting alongside them for nothing more than entertainment. Their involvment is nothing more than a battle of egos and is quite immature for gods.
I agree with both Michael and Ed. I believe that we are sort of misinterpreting The Iliad because we are from the 21st century. However, I also do agree that the gods actions do seem to come off as somewhat childish at times.
I don't think it is fair to judge a societies religion as pathetic, just because we don't understand their civilization. The fact that the gods are presented as real characters with emotions and preferences adds to the relations between gods and humans. We are able to see the complexities and problems that exist between gods and how even they deal with challenges faced by mortals.
Sometimes we perceive gods to be perfect beings or creatures without flaws. The Iliad gives the gods humanistic qualities that allows the audience to better understand and relate to the actions and ideas of the gods.
I agree with Mikey on the fact that as 21st century inhabitants we have no right to make judgements or claims about the religious beliefs of people who lived thousands of years ago. To them, during their time period, if someone were to claim that in thousands of years the world would have simply one God, and various religions would be based off of that one creator, they would scoff and be in utter disbelief. While the actions of the Gods may be childish to us in this current time, their role in society may not be exactly what we think it was. I think it is fair to say that no human would portray his own gods as childish, most likely at least, thus we I think it is fair to conclude that the gods are more misunderstood than childish.
I see what Ed is saying about the Gods. They seem too involved in the story and act somewhat childish in the audience's first impression. I do agree with Mikey and Brad, however, in that we do not necessarily understand the importance of Gods to cultures and religions in past times. Now and then, people use Gods/religion as an outlet for fear. Gods provide comfort and reinforces belief in a religion. In the Iliad, while the Gods may seem "childish" (as Ed suggests), I think Homer's depiction of the Gods allows the Trojans/Acheans to form stronger connections to the Gods in a time where fear is prominent.
I agree with Shanil that Homer gives the audience another perspective on how we view the Gods. We can further relate to them when Homer unveils some inherent humanistic qualities like emotions and indecision. The presence of Gods adds another important element to the story - rather than a story solely based on man's struggle.
I agree that the way Homer portrayed the Gods was a little childish, however, that's what they believed at the time. I think it's a little insensitive to look back on what people believed and ridicule them for it. Who's to say that in a thousand years people won't look back and think that praying to Jesus or Allah is "pathetic."
I do agree at what you're getting at... I just wouldn't call it childish. I feel that the unbalance of power and disunity the God's have isn't appealing. I think they all need to stop being selfish and just agree on issues like WHO should win the war. It frustrates us all from what I can see, but who set the standard of what a "God" or "Gods" should be like?
I think that Will has hit on some good points. Do the people who devote their lives and time praying to the "gods" deserve the enjoyment that the gods are receiving in fighting in the war. Also I think that Homer really stresses the idea that the gods were on the highest platform of the three, hell, earth and Olympus. So therefore the gods can do whatever they want because they have that power so why should a mortals prayers stop them from doing what they want to do.
I would like to say that I am not trying to judge these people and say they were pathetic for following such gods back in their time. I was trying to say that such behavior among those who are supposed to be above petty mortal squabbles is pathetic. (I also said that was too strong a word but couldn't think of another). Sorry for the confusion.
Our idea of what God should be and the Greeks idea of what God should be are completely different and I think we have to take that into account when we read this. In Greek mythology, Gods are not the merciful and almighty protector that many religions worship today. They had their own "family" quarrels and showed human emotions such as amusement and anger. This is displayed in the Iliad.
You say that you don't understand how the Greeks could pray and believe in such gods. I have no proof for the validity of this statement but, it almost seems like they pray to them, at least in the Iliad, out of fear. They're afraid if they don't respect the gods, they will be subject to their wrath. They see what the gods are capable of and will do almost anything to avoid being the victim of their might.
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