Athene And Mortals In The Iliad
An Evaluation of some of Athene’s Appearances to Mortals in the IliadKellen CorralloAthene presents herselfvariously to mortals throughout the Iliad: sometimes she appears in the likeness of mortals, whom she possesses and speaks through; while other times she appears as herself, often inspiring those she speaks to with “winged-words.” Now, since Athene, being wise and cunning, appears variously before mortals, it’s essential thatweconsider her motives for appearing whichever way. Further, we must assume that her varying decisions to appear whichever way arise from the character of that situation she interveneswith. More clearly phrased, it seems Athene’s formal decisions arise from an economic consideration of the effort required for the achievement
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Below, I will attempt to think like Athene and weigh various situational variables which may or may not have influenced her transformationaldecisions; in doing so, it is not my intention to be suppositious, nor to reduce the Iliad’s artistry by imposing on it an overly mechanical reading. Rather, this essay serves to improve my understanding of some of Athene’s transformations in the Iliad and to develop my skills as a …show more content…
Additionally, it tells us that hertransformationbefore Hektor must besignificant. I write“must be” because Athene needn’t transform before Achilleus to achieve her end—to make him rest—while she must transform before Hektor to achieve her end—to make him face Achilleus—; so, the “significance”lay in the necessary effort Athene must exert to assume the likeness of a mortal2. 1It would be misleading to say that the two are always on good termsbecause they’re not. For example, after Hera and Athene’s failed attempt to assist the Greeks (8.421), Athene is angry with Zeus, as shewasearlier (4.40). However, unlike Hera, she doesn’t make her anger known—she bites her tongue both times—we must assume that she’s either attempting to avoid Zeus’ rage, or shows a deeper respect for him, beyond mere tactfulness. Moreover, Zeus approves many of Athene’s Earthly appearances (IV.70; V.764; XVII. 545
Below, I will attempt to think like Athene and weigh various situational variables which may or may not have influenced her transformationaldecisions; in doing so, it is not my intention to be suppositious, nor to reduce the Iliad’s artistry by imposing on it an overly mechanical reading. Rather, this essay serves to improve my understanding of some of Athene’s transformations in the Iliad and to develop my skills as a …show more content…
Additionally, it tells us that hertransformationbefore Hektor must besignificant. I write“must be” because Athene needn’t transform before Achilleus to achieve her end—to make him rest—while she must transform before Hektor to achieve her end—to make him face Achilleus—; so, the “significance”lay in the necessary effort Athene must exert to assume the likeness of a mortal2. 1It would be misleading to say that the two are always on good termsbecause they’re not. For example, after Hera and Athene’s failed attempt to assist the Greeks (8.421), Athene is angry with Zeus, as shewasearlier (4.40). However, unlike Hera, she doesn’t make her anger known—she bites her tongue both times—we must assume that she’s either attempting to avoid Zeus’ rage, or shows a deeper respect for him, beyond mere tactfulness. Moreover, Zeus approves many of Athene’s Earthly appearances (IV.70; V.764; XVII. 545