Episode 1: The Iliad: The Opposite of War is Not Peace; It’s Liturgy

Hot Takes on the Classics

Description

In this debut episode of 'Hot Takes from the Classics,' hosts Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda delve into one of the greatest war epics ever written, Homer's Iliad. They discuss the themes of honor, the brutality of war, the intoxicating nature of battle, and the challenges of understanding ancient texts. The episode explores different translations, notable characters, and key plot points, while also touching on how the poem has influenced culture and history. They conclude with a powerful discussion on the importance of liturgy as a counterbalance to the dehumanizing effects of war. The episode aims to make the epic accessible and relevant to modern readers.

Show Guide

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Season Theme

01:20 Discussing the Iliad's Themes and Popularity

03:36 Personal Anecdotes and Translation Challenges

07:31 Understanding the Iliad's Characters and Plot

16:24 The Concept of Honor in the Iliad

18:29 Key Greek Characters in the Iliad

19:12 Key Trojan Characters in the Iliad

19:42 Independent Contractors and Warfare

21:17 The Role of the Gods in the Iliad

22:40 Polytheism and Its Impact on the Iliad

24:50 The Fatalistic Nature of the Iliad

25:15 Achilles' Rage and Hector's Death

27:10 The Brutality and Humanity of War

30:54 The Democratization of Conflict

34:42 The Intoxicating Nature of War

36:33 The Opposite of War: Liturgy

38:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Greek Honor Culture: The importance of honor in shaping character actions and conflicts is highlighted by the quote, “Honor is the thing that is on everywhere in the background of this novel.”
• Role of the Gods: How the whims of Greek gods introduce unpredictability and a sense of fatalism to the story.
• War’s Emotional Depth: The poignant moments between Priam and Achilles, exploring themes of forgiveness and humanity amid violence, illustrated by, “The opposite of war is not peace; it’s liturgy.”

Questions & Discussion

• What makes honor such a central theme in the Iliad?
  Examine how Greek honor culture drives actions and relationships, especially for heroes like Achilles and Hector.
• How do the gods influence the outcome of the Trojan War?
  Explore the impact of divine intervention and how it complicates both personal and military conflicts.
• Why is the Iliad still relevant today?
  Discuss the poem’s insights on humanity, morality, and the enduring psychological impact of war.

Further Reading

The Iliad Translations

• Lattimore
• Fitzgerald
• Fagles
• Wilson

Adaptations

• Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of 'The Iliad' by Rosemary Sutcliffe
• The Iliad: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

Essays

• Can Poetry Matter? by Dana Gioia
• The Iliad or the Poem of Force: A Critical Edition by Simone Weil