Grief and the Hero: The Futility of Longing in the Iliad

The book "Grief and the Hero" explores Achilles' grief in the Iliad and argues that it arises from his longing for life with Patroklos, making all of his grief-driven deeds futile. It appeals to scholars and students of Homer and humanists, as loss, longing, and revenge touch many human lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Grief and the Hero: Examining Achilles Experience of Futility in the Iliad

In the epic poem "The Iliad," the character of Achilles experiences profound grief over the loss of his close friend Patroklos. The book "Grief and the Hero" delves into Achilles' journey of grappling with the futility of grief in the context of the Iliad's exploration of anger. While acknowledging that no action can undo Patroklos' death, Achilles' experience of loss drives him to behave as though he can achieve some form of restorative justice. Contrary to the prevailing scholarly notion that grief leads to anger, "Grief and the Hero" pays close attention to the poem's representation of the origin of these emotions.

In the Iliad, Achilles' grief for Patroklos is uniquely characterized by the term "pothÊ," which signifies "longing." Unlike any other grief depicted in the poem, Achilles' sorrow is described with this term. The Iliad presents Achilles' grief as the rupture of a shared life, offering a fresh perspective on the epic. Achilles' anguish propels him to extreme actions, oscillating between self-isolation and seeking communal expressions of grief. He vacillates between intense weeping and relentless pursuit of battle, accompanied by various threats of mutilation, acts of vengeance, and other vows. However, the underlying common denominator in all of Achilles' grief-driven deeds is his yearning for a life shared with Patroklos.

Here lies the profound insight of the Iliad: All of Achilles' grief-driven actions arise from his longing for a life that is unattainable, an attempt to undo the reality of death. His yearning for Patroklos transcends the physical realm, representing a deep-seated desire for a sense of continuity and fulfillment that cannot be fulfilled in the face of loss. This profound longing ultimately renders all of Achilles' deeds futile, as they are driven by an unquenchable yearning for something that cannot be attained.

"Grief and the Hero" has broad appeal beyond scholars and students of Homer. The themes of loss, longing, and even revenge resonate with many human lives, transcending cultural and historical boundaries. The insights of the Iliad offer valuable perspectives on the human condition, shedding light on the complexities of emotions and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. By examining Achilles' experience of grief, "Grief and the Hero" invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of loss and the ways in which they navigate the challenges of mourning and healing.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472132324