10th Post

Myths are the topic focused on, in my classical cultures class, and we compare them to todays society. The myth that caught my attention the most, and I will be focusing on in this blogpost, is a translated version of, The Illiad, by Homer. It is an epic poem, with a dactylic hexameter which means that is has a beat, and it explains the Greek Trojan war. Honor is emphasized in many Greek myths. This is called the Homeric code, and it can be done in four different ways. The first way is by winning an argument. The second way is by killing the enemy in the battlefield. The third way is by an exchange of gifts. The fourth way is by stripping the armor off of a dead warrior and ransoming the family for the body. The final way is be selling someone as a slave. 

This myth is encountered in many different aspects of life, one specifically being in war. Whenever there is a war, in any part of the world, the main goal is to gain honor in defending the nations viewpoints. The country who wins is considered the stronger nation, at the end of the day, by accomplishing whatever goals they had. The significance of this myth is, to show the reason behind war. The Greek war happened many decades, but not much has changed throughout time. History repeats itself, but why does todays society accept this and lets this continue to occur? When will we learn to create peace? I am aware that war is a very controversial issue, but it is not ok to accept it. In my opinion, no mature adult should have to experience deaths, destruction, and economic instability in order to feel like they have "honor." 

Are todays world leaders immature? This is a question I will leave here, and am looking forward to reading others perspectives about this issue.