Homer’s Iliad is a full-scale artistic discovery made in the cradle of world culture — Ancient Greece. This is one of the first epic poems in the history of mankind. In the analyzed chapter, the topic of funerals and the Olympic Games in honor of the burial of an ancient Greek hero is touched upon. When reading the work, it is interesting to note the differences between the usual ancient Greek Olympic Games and funeral games.
The funeral rite with the custom of pouring a high mound is presented in detail in Homer’s Iliad in the scene describing the funeral of Patroclus and Hector. This description is remarkable because it gives a vivid and complete picture of the whole rite, about which, based on archaeological data, readers have only some idea (Homer 430). The Greeks attached great importance to the observance of all customs, which, according to the beliefs of the ancients, were supposed to ensure a safe passage to the kingdom of Hades for the deceased.
For the sake of the funeral of the fallen in wartime, a temporary truce was concluded. In The Iliad, both warring parties – Achaeans and Trojans – interrupt the battle with mutual consent. “As for the burning of the dead, I do not oppose it at all. The duty is to spare nothing for the people who have finished their days, and the dead should immediately be calmed by fire,” (Homer 408-410). For me, this was the most delightful scene and the main difference between funerary games and the usual games of ancient Greece. After the funeral, games were held in honor of the buried: competitions in chariot running, fist fighting, competitions of heroes in running, in single combat with a spear and shield in their hands. Achilles gave awards not only to the winners, but to the vanquished for participating in the games (Homer 415). Funeral games were a demonstration of strength, dexterity, endurance and resistance to death.
Therefore, another difference is that during the funeral games, awards are given not only to the winners, but to the losers. I really liked Achilles’ idea that it is not victory that is important in games, but participation, especially if these are games in honor of the burial of the deceased in the war. The crown with the branches of the sacred olive tree was the most revered award. The awards to the participants of the games delight me because they had a valuable meaning and sanctity. The military setting of this ceremony and the celebration of the life of Patroclus affect the form of the games, as in honor of the hero’s burial, the games were arranged with due luxury (Homer 485). In funeral games, the importance was attached to the wires of the deceased rather than the outcome of the games themselves. The ancient Greeks attached great importance to chariot racing. This sport was, in my opinion, their favorite, as it was held with pomp.
Thus, in The Iliad, the Greeks believed that the wrath of the Gods should not be allowed, and in order for the soul of the deceased to feel quite comfortable in the realm of the dead. They came up with a lot of rituals to appease the higher powers. For the ancient Greeks, the burial of the deceased was considered a sacred duty, the non-fulfillment of which is a sin not only before the deceased, but before the gods. Consequently, the Iliad describes the funerary play of Patroclus with the pomp and wealth that he deserves.
Reference
Homer. Illiad. Evans Publishing Group, 2012.