1/
How much humaneness both sides possessed in those times—Greeks and Trojans alike (of the same stock)—in contrast to the brutality and cunning of today’s supposedly advanced and civilized humanity!
Old Priam had the courage to go to Achilles’ camp to ask for the body of his son. Instead of being killed, as might often occur in modern times where opponents frequently behave inhumanly, Achilles not only respected him but also offered him a meal and consoled him for the loss of Hector.
This scene ranks among the most profoundly humane in ancient literature: the enemy is not regarded merely as an adversary, but as a father, as a human being. This spirit of humanism permeates the Iliad, even amidst the savagery of war.
2/
Thersites was the son of Agrius, king of Calydon. Agrius was driven out of Pleuron (in the region of modern Messolonghi) by Diomedes and, according to tradition, later founded Agrinion. This belongs to a period during which the early city-states were taking shape.
3/
Thersites, a cousin of Meleager, is described as exceedingly repulsive: cross-eyed, lame, hunchbacked, long-headed, and thin-haired. Beyond his appearance, he was characterized by cowardice, loquacity, and a demagogic temperament. Tradition attributes to him a host of negative traits.
4/
At an assembly of the army, Odysseus struck him with his scepter because he spoke incessantly and irreverently while the leaders held the floor. He even had the audacity to insult Agamemnon. Yet, owing to his well-known disposition, his behavior was often tolerated.
5/
The end of Thersites was foretold. After a battle, as the Greeks were returning to camp, they beheld Penthesilea, queen of the Amazons, half-dead, struck by Achilles’ spear.
Achilles, upon seeing her, was overcome with admiration and emotion for her divine beauty. According to tradition, in that final moment, a strange and idealized love was born.
Thersites, mocking Achilles for his pity and admiration, even attempted to desecrate her body. Achilles then slew him instantly.
6/
The view that the Olympic Games began in 774 BC is, according to certain traditions, incomplete. Their origins reach back into the heroic age.
7/
Hyginus mentions fifteen games. The first four are not preserved; the enumeration begins with the fifth:
- Fifth: of Danaus (c. 35,000 BC), on the occasion of his daughters’ weddings
- Sixth: of Lynceus at Argos, in honor of Argive Hera
- Seventh: of Perseus (c. 34,000–28,000 BC), funeral games for Polydeuces
- Eighth: of Heracles, in honor of Pelops
- Ninth: the Nemean Games, funeral for Archemorus
- Tenth: the Isthmian Games, attributed to Eratocles or Theseus
- Eleventh: of the Argonauts, funeral for Cyzicus
- Twelfth: of Acastus, funeral for Pelias
- Thirteenth: of Priam, in honor of Paris
- Fourteenth: of Achilles, funeral for Patroclus
- Fifteenth: of Aeneas, in honor of his father Anchises
(From the book “For an Olive Branch” by Konstantinos Konstantinidis)
The Pythian Games are not mentioned, possibly because they are considered either earlier or later than Hyginus. Therefore, according to the historic sources , those who claim that the Olympic Games began in 774 BC are mistaken.
The founder of Olympia and the Olympic Games is considered to be the younger Heracles. (3/4/26)
Amphiktyon A – Retired Major General Konstantinos Konstantinidis
Writer, Member of the Society of Greek Writers
http://www.amphiktyon.blogspot.com
https://www.amphiktyon.org