How is *true* wealth created and generated? War, enslavement of other people… just think of King Agamemnon in the Iliad … his lust for more gold, his greed, his hunger for more kingdoms, wars, conquests, sailing off to different places to subjugate different places.
What did Achilles want? He was tired of war, fighting, battle, and killing. He just wanted to take his prize (Breisis)— and retire to his land and just chill out?
Back in the day wealth was slaves, taking the enemy as slaves (the original slaves were the Slavic people— “Eastern Europeans”)— to do their dirty work, while the victors and kings would just chill and hang out.
Describe breisis Iliad
“Brisēís” in Homer’s “Iliad” is a character who plays a pivotal, yet passive role in the epic. She’s a symbol of honor and conflict among the Greek leaders during the Trojan War. Captured from a Trojan-allied city and given to Achilles as a war prize, Brisēís becomes the center of a dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon, sparking Achilles’ withdrawal from battle.
Her character is interesting in the way she embodies the values and social norms of ancient Greek society. As a captive woman, her fate is entirely in the hands of the men around her, highlighting the lack of agency women had in this period. Yet, despite her limited role, her presence triggers a significant part of the plot, influencing the actions of key characters and the course of the war.
Philosophically, Brisēís can be seen as a representation of the concept of ‘arete’ (excellence) and ‘timē’ (honor) in Greek culture. The dispute over her reflects the importance of honor and reputation in the Greek heroic code. Her situation also raises questions about the nature of power, possession, and the human cost of war, themes that resonate in discussions about ethics and morality.
In terms of innovation, Brisēís’s role in the “Iliad” can be seen as a narrative device that catalyzes character development and plot progression, a technique that has influenced storytelling across centuries. Her character invites readers to reflect on the human aspects of war and leadership, an exploration that remains relevant in modern discussions about conflict and authority.
How she described
Brisēís is described in Homer’s “Iliad” primarily through the eyes of the Greek warriors, reflecting the perspectives and values of the time. While there are no extensive physical descriptions of her in the text, she is often referred to with terms that emphasize her beauty and desirability, typical of how women were portrayed in ancient Greek literature.
She is depicted as a figure of great beauty and charm, which is a significant reason for the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon. Her beauty and status as a war prize make her a symbol of honor and prestige for the warriors. However, Homer does not delve deeply into her personal characteristics or thoughts, which is consistent with the treatment of female characters in many ancient epics.
Her emotional state is briefly touched upon, particularly in the context of her lament for Patroclus, which suggests a depth of feeling and perhaps a bond formed during her time in the Greek camp. This moment offers a rare glimpse into her perspective, showing her as more than just a passive object of desire and conflict.
Overall, Brisēís in the “Iliad” is more of a symbolic figure than a fully fleshed-out character. She represents the spoils of war and the personal pride of the Greek heroes, rather than being portrayed as an individual with her own agency and narrative.