2025 Readings 33

 I just finished yet another reading of Homer's Iliad. Partially, I'm trying to finish my chapter on the Iliad for my book (never to be finished manuscript) on the Epics, and Homer's epic will serve as the first chapter in the envisioned work. Granted, the Ramayana is older, but I wanted to start with something that folks might be more familiar with, so that I can lay out the recurring structure of each chapter. So, with that in mind, the first half of the book would be: Ch 1: Iliad, Ch. 2, Aeneid, Ch. 3, Ramayana, Ch. 4, Shahnameh, Ch. 5 Journey to the West. The second half of the imagined book would be the thematic chapters, such as Ch. 6 on Heroism and Ch. 7 on Gender, etc. 

However, saying that, the other reason why I gave it a reread (of a seemingly endless series of rereads) is that I simply love the Iliad. Every time I read it I get something new out of it, and I can't imagine that I'll ever tire of it. Truthfully, I get so much more out of it than I did when I read it decades ago, and the desire to share what I've learned - and the tools that I've given students to make these epics more accessible - is at the core of my desire to write this book in the first place. Several sections jumped out at me this time, and I wondered why they didn't resonate with me as much previously. Maybe I just have more wisdom/experience or maybe I'm just giving the book more of my time and attention. One of the lines that spoke to me this time, not surprisingly, was from Nestor, the aged Greek who gives sage advice, while celebrating and lamenting the passing of time. In Book 23, during the games that were held to commemorate the passing of Patroclus, Nestor, in response to Achilles awarding him a prize because he is too old to complete, says:

"You've put the matter very well, my son.

My legs are strong no longer, as you say;

I am not fast on my feet; my hands no longer 

move out fast to punch or throw. Would god 

I had my young days back my strength entire . . .

That was the man I was. Now let the young 

take part in these exertions: I must yield 

to show old age, though in my time I shone 

among heroic men.

                                          Well, carry on

the funeral of your friend with competitions.

This I take kindly, and my heart is cheered 

that you remember me as well disposed, 

remembering, too, the honor that is due me 

among Akhaians. May the gods 

in fitting ways reward you for it all."