Immortal glory, renown, fame!
Glory, fame!
Nostos (going back home)
Introduction
In ancient Greek culture, kleos (κλέος) is a fundamental concept representing glory, renown, or fame achieved through heroic deeds and virtuous actions. It is the immortal fame that ensures a hero’s name and story are remembered and celebrated by future generations. In Homer’s epic poems, the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey,” kleos plays a pivotal role in motivating the protagonists, Achilles and Odysseus, respectively. However, the way kleos is pursued and manifested differs significantly between the two heroes, reflecting their distinct characters and the themes of each epic.
Kleos in the “Iliad” for Achilles
1. The Pursuit of Immortal Glory
• Achilles’ Choice: Achilles is presented with a profound choice between two fates:
• A long, uneventful life at home without glory.
• A short, glorious life on the battlefield that ensures his name will live on forever.
• Quote: In Book 9, Achilles tells Odysseus:
“My mother Thetis, goddess with silver feet, tells me two fates sweep me on to my death. If I stay here and fight, I’ll never return home, but my glory (kleos) will be undying forever. If I return home to my dear fatherland, my glory is lost but my life will be long, and death that ends all will not catch me soon.”
2. Actions Driven by Kleos
• Wrath and Withdrawal: Achilles’ anger over Agamemnon taking his prize, Briseis, leads him to withdraw from battle, which affects his kleos as he denies the Greeks his unparalleled prowess.
• Patroclus’ Death: The death of his close friend Patroclus spurs Achilles back into battle, reigniting his pursuit of kleos through vengeance against Hector.
• Slaying of Hector: Achilles’ defeat of Hector is a pivotal moment that solidifies his kleos, demonstrating his superior strength and skill.
3. The Duality of Kleos and Mortality
• Mortality and Glory: Achilles is acutely aware that achieving kleos comes at the cost of his life.
• Tragic Heroism: His acceptance of an early death in exchange for everlasting fame embodies the Greek heroic ideal.
4. Legacy Through Epic Deeds
• Battlefield Excellence: Achilles’ martial abilities are unmatched, and his deeds on the battlefield are the primary means through which he attains kleos.
• Epic Narrative: The “Iliad” itself serves as a vessel for Achilles’ kleos, immortalizing his story for generations.
Kleos in the “Odyssey” for Odysseus
1. The Intersection of Kleos and Nostos
• Focus on Nostos: The “Odyssey” centers on nostos (νόστος), meaning homecoming or return.
• Odysseus’ Desire: His primary goal is to return to Ithaca and his family, but kleos remains an underlying theme.
2. Kleos Through Intelligence and Endurance
• Cunning Over Strength: Odysseus attains kleos not just through physical prowess but through metis (μῆτις), meaning cunning intelligence.
• The Trojan Horse: His idea of the Trojan Horse is a prime example of earning kleos through ingenuity.
• Overcoming Trials: The challenges he faces on his journey—such as outsmarting the Cyclops Polyphemus and resisting the Sirens—add to his kleos.
3. Storytelling as a Means to Kleos
• Narration of Adventures: Odysseus often recounts his own stories, enhancing his fame.
• Spread of His Name: His tales ensure that his name and deeds are known far and wide.
• Quote: In Book 9, introducing himself to the Phaeacians, he says:
“I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft—my fame (kleos) has reached the skies.”
4. Balancing Personal Desires and Kleos
• Longing for Home: Unlike Achilles, Odysseus places a higher value on returning home alive.
• Rejecting Immortality: He even refuses Calypso’s offer of immortality, prioritizing nostos over eternal life.
5. Legacy Through Reestablishing Order
• Restoration of Ithaca: Upon his return, Odysseus’ defeat of the suitors restores his household and reasserts his rightful place, contributing to his kleos.
• Impact on Others: His actions ensure the prosperity and stability of his kingdom, leaving a lasting legacy.
Comparison of Kleos for Achilles and Odysseus
1. Different Paths to Glory
• Achilles: Seeks kleos primarily through martial excellence and heroic death.
• Odysseus: Achieves kleos through intelligence, endurance, and ultimately survival.
2. Priorities and Values
• Achilles: Values eternal fame over life; his kleos is intertwined with his acceptance of fate.
• Odysseus: Balances the pursuit of kleos with his desire for home and family; survival enhances his fame.
3. Expression of Heroism
• Physical Might vs. Cunning: Achilles embodies the quintessential warrior; Odysseus represents the clever hero.
• Active Glory vs. Narrative Glory: Achilles’ kleos is demonstrated through direct action in battle, while Odysseus’ kleos is often conveyed through storytelling and overcoming diverse challenges.
4. The Role of the Divine
• Achilles: Son of the goddess Thetis, his semi-divine status sets him apart, and the gods frequently intervene in his fate.
• Odysseus: Encounters gods and mythical creatures but relies more on his own wits to navigate divine obstacles.
5. Mortality and Immortality
• Achilles: Embraces mortality to achieve immortal fame through death.
• Odysseus: Seeks to live and return home, achieving kleos through the continuation of life and legacy.
Conclusion
Achilles and Odysseus embody different aspects of kleos within their respective epics. Achilles’ pursuit of glory is singular and absolute, rooted in the heroic ideal of dying nobly in battle to achieve immortal fame. His kleos is a testament to the value placed on martial prowess and the acceptance of one’s fate.
In contrast, Odysseus’ kleos is multifaceted, encompassing not only his bravery but also his intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination to return home. His legacy is built through his experiences, stories, and the restoration of his household, reflecting a more complex understanding of heroism that includes personal fulfillment and the well-being of his community.
Both heroes achieve kleos, but they do so along different paths that highlight the diverse values and ideals celebrated in ancient Greek culture. Their stories offer rich explorations of what it means to be remembered and how one’s actions can echo through eternity.
References
• Homer, Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles.
• Homer, Odyssey, translated by Robert Fagles.
• Nagy, Gregory. The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours. Harvard University Press, 2013.
• Schein, Seth L. The Mortal Hero: An Introduction to Homer’s Iliad. University of California Press, 1984.
• Silk, M.S. Homer: The Iliad. Cambridge University Press, 1987.
• Clarke, Howard W. The Art of the Odyssey. Prentice-Hall, 1967.
Further Reading
• “Achilles and Kleos: The Hero’s Quest for Eternal Glory” in Classical Mythology by Mark P.O. Morford and Robert J. Lenardon.
• “Odysseus’ Search for Identity and Homecoming” in The Odyssey Re-Formed by Frederick Ahl and Hanna M. Roisman.
• “The Heroic Ideal and the Pursuit of Fame” in The World of Homer by Andrew Lang.
In essence, while both Achilles and Odysseus seek kleos, their approaches reflect different dimensions of heroism. Achilles’ kleos is achieved through the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield, ensuring his name endures forever. Odysseus, however, attains kleos through his wisdom, resilience, and the successful return to his homeland, highlighting that glory can also be found in survival and the restoration of order.
…
Yes, the ancient Greeks did indeed engage with the idea of building and leaving a legacy in a sense that aligns with our modern understanding of the term. They placed significant importance on the notion of achieving lasting fame, honor, and impact through one’s actions, virtues, and contributions to society. This concept permeated their literature, philosophy, and cultural practices.
1. The Concept of Kleos (Κλέος)
a. Definition
• Kleos: A central concept in ancient Greek culture, particularly in Homeric epics, kleos translates to “glory” or “fame” that is heard or renowned.
• It represents the immortal fame a hero gains through great deeds, ensuring they are remembered by future generations.
b. Homeric Epics
• “Iliad” and “Odyssey”: Heroes like Achilles and Odysseus strive for kleos through bravery in battle and remarkable exploits.
• Achilles’ Choice: In the “Iliad,” Achilles faces a choice between a long, uneventful life or a short, glorious one that ensures his name endures—a testament to the value placed on leaving a lasting legacy.
c. Oral Tradition
• Storytelling: The oral recitation of heroic deeds was a means to preserve and propagate the legacy of individuals.
• Bards and Poets: Played a crucial role in immortalizing heroes through song and poetry, reinforcing the cultural importance of kleos.
2. Philosophical Perspectives
a. Socrates and Plato
• Immortality of the Soul: Plato, through Socratic dialogues, explores the idea that the soul is immortal and that one’s actions impact its journey.
• Virtue and Legacy: Emphasizes living a virtuous life to achieve a form of legacy that transcends physical existence.
b. Aristotle
• Eudaimonia (Εὐδαιμονία): Aristotle’s concept of human flourishing or well-being, achieved by living virtuously and actualizing one’s potential.
• Contribution to the Polis: Advocated for individuals to contribute positively to the city-state (polis), thereby leaving a legacy that benefits society.
c. Legacy Through Excellence
• Arete (Ἀρετή): The pursuit of excellence in all things was a way to achieve lasting recognition.
• Impact on Future Generations: Philosophers believed that living virtuously would inspire others and set a precedent for societal norms.
3. Cultural Practices and Monuments
a. Monuments and Architecture
• Temples and Statues: Erected in honor of gods and notable individuals, serving as lasting symbols of their legacy.
• Inscriptions: Engravings on stone steles recorded achievements and decrees, preserving them for posterity.
b. Olympic Games
• Athletic Legacy: Victorious athletes were celebrated and often immortalized in poems and statues.
• Pan-Hellenic Recognition: Success at the games brought fame beyond one’s city-state, contributing to a broader legacy.
4. Literature and Drama
a. Tragedies and Comedies
• Playwrights: Figures like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes left enduring works that explored human nature, ethics, and societal issues.
• Themes of Legacy: Many plays dealt with the consequences of actions and the desire for lasting honor.
b. Historiography
• Herodotus and Thucydides: Early historians who aimed to record events so that the deeds of the past would not be forgotten.
• Purpose: Their works were intended to preserve the memory of significant events and individuals, contributing to a collective legacy.
5. The Pursuit of Immortality Through Deeds
a. Hero Cults
• Veneration of Heroes: Deceased heroes were often worshipped, and their tombs became sites of local importance.
• Cultural Memory: This practice reinforced the legacy of individuals within the community.
b. Philosophical Immortality
• Influence of Ideas: Philosophers like Pythagoras and Democritus sought to leave a legacy through their contributions to knowledge.
• Schools of Thought: The establishment of philosophical schools (e.g., Academy, Lyceum) ensured the continuation and impact of their teachings.
6. Ethical Will and Legacy
a. Beyond Material Inheritance
• Transmission of Values: Emphasis was placed on passing down virtues, wisdom, and ethical teachings to successors.
• Mentorship: Philosophers and teachers invested in the education of the youth, viewing it as a means to perpetuate their legacy.
b. Societal Contributions
• Lawgivers and Leaders: Individuals like Solon and Pericles are remembered for their reforms and leadership, shaping the course of Athenian society.
7. Conclusion
The ancient Greeks deeply contemplated the idea of leaving a legacy, much like our modern understanding of the term. Whether through heroic deeds, philosophical teachings, artistic contributions, or public service, they aspired to achieve a form of immortality by impacting their world in ways that would be remembered by future generations. This pursuit was woven into the fabric of their culture, manifesting in their literature, philosophy, and societal values.
References
• Homer, Iliad and Odyssey
• Plato, Phaedo, Republic, Symposium
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Politics
• Herodotus, Histories
• Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War
• Sophocles, Oedipus Rex
• Euripides, Medea
• Historical Accounts: Studies on ancient Greek culture, heroism, and societal values
Further Reading
• “The Greek Way” by Edith Hamilton
• “The World of Odysseus” by M.I. Finley
• “Ancient Greek Civilization” by David Sansone
In essence, the desire to build and leave a legacy was a powerful motivator in ancient Greek society, driving individuals to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to their world—a concept that resonates strongly with modern interpretations of legacy.