Write a note on Achilles’ shield.
The Iliad is a notable literary work by Homer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Iliad.
Answer
Write a note on Achilles’ shield. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★
In “ The Iliad” (762 BCE), Homer (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE) describes many great battles and symbols. One of the most famous is Achilles’ shield. It is made by the god Hephaestus and shows the whole picture of life.
Making of the Shield: After Patroclus is killed, Achilles needs new armor. His mother Thetis goes to Hephaestus for help. The divine smith makes shining armor and a huge shield. This shield is full of many detailed pictures of human life.
Scenes of Peace and War: The shield shows both peace and war together. There are cities with weddings, dances, and farming. There are also cities with quarrels, armies, and battles. Homer says:
“Two cities radiant… one of peace, and one of war.”
These opposite pictures show the two sides of human life.
Picture Of Nature: The shield also shows beautiful scenes of nature. It has the earth, sky, sun, moon, and stars. It also shows rivers, seas, fields, and animals.
“The heaven, the earth, and the sea.”
These images present the wide world that surrounds human life.
Meaning Of The Shield: The shield is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of life itself. It shows joy, sorrow, love, war, nature, and order. Through this shield, Homer connects war with universal human experience.
Achilles’ shield is one of the greatest symbols in The Iliad. It joins war and peace, man and nature, sorrow and joy. Homer shows real life and the whole world through it.