Women's Role In The Iliad Research Paper

Essay #3 What is the role of women in the Iliad? Is this another ancient poem that demonstrates male dominance? Throughout the history of Greek mythology, women have had typical and preconceived roles. However, this does not affect the role of Briseis in Homer’s Iliad. In Homer’s epic poem, Briseis, Achilles’ captured Trojan slave, is significant because she is a prize, influenced the Trojan War, and is similar to the other strong women of the Iliad. In the ancient poem, Briseis was a princess who was captured once all her family members were killed by Achilles. The women played a vital role in the fate of the battles in this poem. It is startling because in archetypal Greek

In fact, the Iliad would have not been the same if Briseis was not even mentioned. As a result of the war between the Trojans and the Achaens, Briseis was captured by Achilles. She was given to him as a slave, prize, and possession. Ultimately, she was his property. Once given to Achilles, she was no longer a person. She was an object. Typically, wars create a strong emphasis on gender-based slavery, it stresses the status of women as possessions. Briseis’ role as being Achilles’ prize is crucial because she is a symbol of his glory. She signifies Achilles’ war strength and proves that he is a ruthless warrior. Not to mention, before her capture, Briseis was married to King Mynes of Lyrnessus, a city that was Troy’s ally. Capturing the enemy’s wife just adds even more value to the prize. It establishes a high status for Achilles. Nevertheless, glory and honor for warriors are not only achieved on the battlefield, but through their possessions. Being half man and half god, Achilles’ way with Briseis is parallel to the way Zeus possesses his power. In her book Homeric Variations on a Lament by Briseis, Casey Due notes, “The point is status, and the man