Iliad-Gods in Homeric Society
Gods play an integral role in Homeric society. They are very active in the lives of humans, both in wartime and peacetime. People depend on the gods to help them fight wars, protect their loved ones, and just improve their everyday lives. Since they do play such a large role in the lives of humans, people often blame or credit gods for things they had no involvement in. This can lead to complicated dealings between gods and humans. The best way for humans to get what they want from the gods is to respect them, and then show this respect. The gods are much more obliging to the people that honor them greatly than those that do not. In their dealings with the gods, people have to remember that honoring them is not the same as not insulting or being impertinent to them. Just because they have not disrespected the gods is no assurance of help or noninterference by the gods. For example, when the Achaians erect a wall around their boats, they do not make any ?grand sacrifice? to the gods (Iliad 7.433-464). The gods then take this as an insult and make sure the wall does not last very long. It is enough to upset the gods just by not paying them the homage they think they deserve. This can cause a very volatile situation w
The more gods that like you, the better your chances to get what you want, and the more resources to call on if you are in trouble. Diomedes struck a blow that took Aphrodite out of the fight, and then, with additional help from Athene, fought and defeated Ares as well. When they do not, the gods (Poseidon in particular) are angered that no sacrifice was made. Since gods can affect so many things that involve humans and can even influence people themselves, these people must be sure to not get on their bad sides. The only person who can tell he is a god is Diomedes because Athene has given him a gift of strength and daring (Iliad 5. Another instance occurs when Ares is fighting on the side of the Trojans (Iliad 5. Another way that gods do not directly show their interference is by aiming blows to either strike, or narrowly miss their targets. There are many reasons to honor the gods in Homeric society. Paris was whisked away in front of both armies, and no one seems to think anything is wrong with this, as it seems to be a common occurrence, even though it is not usually so obvious. There are many other such times when this happens, as the gods see this as the best way to secretly accomplish their goals. The best way to accomplish this is to honor and respect them, and to prove your honor with gifts and sacrifices. After whisking Paris away from fight with Menelaos, Aphrodite is talking to Helen and suggesting that her love is what makes Helen so beautiful (Iliad 3.
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