Darryl Friesen’s Reviews > The Iliad of Homer > Status Update

Book I

Fascinating start! It’s so interesting to see how human culture has changed since the beginnings of Western civilization, and how it has remained the same! The power struggles, petty jealousy, unnecessary/preventable escalation of anger and violence, and pursuit of honour and glory feel so familiar, even in our 21st century world.

A brilliant introduction by Richard Martin! So glad I took the time to work through it.

I’m so glad I decided to read two lengthy introductions (each ~60 pages!) for this before diving in! It’s giving me such a terrific foundation, and I’m even more excited to dive in!

Working through a second introduction, this one by Richard Martin, and it is also terrific. Working through both is a lot of “preparatory” reading, but it’s really helping give context and clarity to what I’m about to read, since I am no expert in Ancient Greek culture and mythology!

Just finished the lengthy but brilliant introduction by Herbert Muller, all about the ways in which Homer summarized, embellished, and even created elements of the Trojan war to flesh out the story. He encourages the reader to remember that Homer was an artist, not a philosopher or a historian, and as such, the dramatic and thematic content are his highest priorities, above historical or philosophical accuracy.

Finally, FINALLY, getting to this absolute cornerstone of Western literature!! 🙈🙈🙈