Disclaimer: I am not an ancient Greek scholar. For the full disclaimer, Read here.
“Wife, I too have thought upon all this, but with what face should I look upon the Trojans, men or women, if I shirked battle like a coward? I cannot do so: I know nothing save to fight bravely in the forefront of the Trojan host and win renown alike for my father and myself. Well do I know that the day will surely come when mighty Ilius shall be destroyed with Priam and Priam’s people… for none of these do I grieve as for yourself when the day shall come on which some one of the Achaeans shall rob you for ever of your freedom, and bear you weeping away.”
Iliad, Book 6; Samuel Butler translation
Book 6 Summary
As the battle rages on, Menelaus is asked by a Trojan ally to show mercy and spare his life. Menelaus almost agrees to give it but Agamemnon reminds him that their goal is the total destruction of Troy and kills the man. Meanwhile, Diomedes confronts the Trojan ally Glaucus on the battlefield and they both find out their ancestors pledged friendship to each other. They agree to not fight each other, and if both survive the war, to host each other at their homes.
The story then switches to Hector. He is advised to go back to Troy and tell the prominent women there, including his mother, to make an offering to Athena and pledge more should they win the war. While Hector is in Troy, he shames Paris for not being on the battlefield and visits briefly with his wife and infant son. He reveals that he is aware that Troy is destined to lose and his wife will be taken captive. Nonetheless, Hector is hopeful that his son will grow up to be a better man than him and lead the Trojan people well.
The chapter ends with both Hector and Paris going back to the war front.
For a list of the major characters, with Greek and Latin names, go here.
A Surprising Revelation
We get a deeper look at Hector and find out something shocking: he is aware that Troy is destined to lose the war and that his wife will be taken captive. His only hope is that his son will grow up to be a great man.
If you know the story of the Trojan war, or have read plays like Euripides’ Andromache, you know how things turn out for Hector’s son and his wife. Why does Hector continue to fight if he knows it’s hopeless? This is his response:
No one can hurry me down to Hades before my time, but if a man’s hour is come, be he brave or be he coward, there is no escape for him when he has once been born.”
Iliad, Book 6; Samuel Butler translation
This is a sober look at life and a piece of wisdom that survives even to the current day. “Live your life to the fullest because you may die tomorrow.” “Leave the worries of tomorrow for tomorrow because you may not have a tomorrow.” Hector is resolved in how he is going to live his life. He’s decided to live it by fighting for Troy, even if it’s doomed, even if his wife will become a slave, because he wants a future for his son. He knows he’s going to die, but he’s going to face his death doing what he desires to do.
We also see what Hector’s relationship is like with his other family members. He honors his mother in the position she is in. He is nonplussed about Paris (though we already know this) and is cordial with Helen (like Priam, he doesn’t seem to blame her for what’s happening). Notably, however, he does not have an interaction with his father Priam. Is this because they never crossed paths or is there something more going on?
So far, Hector comes off as quite a noble character. A true contrast not only to his brother Paris, but also to Agamemnon and Achilles.
Menelaus—Focused or Weak?
Book 6 opens up with Menelaus almost sparing the life of a Trojan who begs for it. However, Agamemnon intervenes and tells Menelaus the destruction of Troy and the death of all the Trojans is their goal. It raises questions about whether Menelaus is a soft person or if he is just more concerned about his revenge than about the utter destruction of Troy.
And why is Agamemnon so adamant about sacking Troy and killing all the Trojans? Is it because of the dishonor Paris caused the house of Atreus? Is Agamemnon driven by greed or the desire for glory? Or is he still angry that a Trojan almost killed Menelaus and broke the truce?
A Good One Is Killed
Homer continues showing the brutal reality of war.
The hope of having your life spared snatched away at the last second.
Running into family acquaintances on the opposite side where there are no hard feelings between them.
Worst of all: good, decent men being killed on the battlefield:
“Then Diomed killed Axylus son of Teuthranus, a rich man who lived in the strong city of Arisbe, and was beloved by all men; for he had a house by the roadside, and entertained every one who passed; howbeit not one of his guests stood before him to save his life”
Iliad, Book 6; Samuel Butler translation; emphasis mine
On the battlefield, your past good deeds mean nothing—especially to your enemy. The battlefield isn’t fair and it doesn’t care how virtuous you are. Either you are capable and fortunate enough to survive or you aren’t.
As I mentioned before: if Homer believes there is honor and glory to be won on the battlefield, he doesn't shy away from the brutality of it to justify his belief.
Bellerophon
Bellerophon is a popular character in Greek legend though he is not as popular as Heracles, Achilles, Odysseus, Theseus, and Perseus, to the modern audience. There were two things that struck me about this story:
It seems like a fairy tale—much like how the story of Perseus is presented
Bellerophon suffered a similar experience to the biblical character Joseph. His master's wife tried to seduce him. When he turned her down, she falsely accused him of attempted rape. This story in the Iliad is a perfect example of how the Iliad is a compendium of stories from ancient Greek legend and mythology. Just looking up the names and events mentioned will give you a good education in those subjects. I compiled such a list here.
That’s all for Book 6 of the Iliad.
May your days be filled with grace.
-Andronikos
The booklist I am going through can be found here.
If you want to learn a little more about the Iliad, I have a page devoted to it.
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Thumbnail: Hector’s Farewell to Andromache by Gavin Hamilton. Created c. 1775-80. Taken from The Hunterian (University of Glasgow). Public domain.