Pericles, the great Athenian statesman and orator, is well known for his “Funeral Oration” which was delivered after the first battles of the Peloponnesian War. In this eloquent eulogy, he commends the fallen soldiers and pays tribute to their bravery, sacrifice, and love for their city-state. Intriguingly, Pericles makes a reference to the legendary poet Homer in his eulogy—yet why would he mention this ancient wordsmith in the context of a funeral speech? In this article, we will delve into the significance of this connection, examining the role of Homer in Pericles' eulogy and how it illuminates important aspects of Athenian society and perception of heroism.
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Homer: The Iconic Poet of Greek Society
To understand the significance of Pericles' mention of Homer in his eulogy, let us first consider the central role Homer played in ancient Greek culture. The writer of the epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, Homer was revered for his stories of mighty heroes, passion, struggle, and the inexorable hand of fate. In fact, these works were so profoundly impactful that they have endured and continued to shape Western culture for centuries.
- The Iliad – Chronicles the Trojan War and the warrior Achilles, illustrating the heroic code of honor, courage, and loyalty in the face of mortal danger.
- The Odyssey – Depicts the long journey of the hero Odysseus, reaffirming the importance of cleverness, perseverance, and formulating one's identity through actions and choices.
These epic narratives resonated profoundly with the citizens of Athenian society, who grew up hearing and memorizing the rich tapestry of Homeric verse. Consequently, Homer's influence permeated their way of life, shaping their values, ideals, and sense of collective identity.
Pericles Connects the Fallen Soldiers to Homeric Ideals
In his funeral speech, Pericles ascribes the same heroic virtues found in the Iliad and the Odyssey to the deceased soldiers. By mentioning Homer, he appeals to the Athenian audience's deep-rooted admiration for the epic poet's works and heroes, thereby elevating the fallen soldiers to legendary status. By doing so, Pericles aims to:
- Instill pride and inspire patriotism in the Athenian citizens, by presenting their soldiers as fulfilling the very same ideals embedded in their most cherished narratives.
- Comfort the grieving families of the fallen soldiers, by reminding them that their loved ones are joining the pantheon of Homeric heroes, who will be remembered for generations to come.
- Encourage the living soldiers and citizens to strive for similar heights of heroism, by invoking the awe-inspiring example of the heroes in Homer's epic poems, and thereby validating their own willingness to make sacrifices in defense of their city-state.
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Why Does Pericles Mention Homer In His Eulogy Example:
Let us consider an excerpt from Pericles' “Funeral Oration” where he mentions Homer:
“For the whole Earth is the sepulchre of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men. Make them your examples, and, esteeming courage to be freedom and freedom to be happiness, do not weigh too nicely the perils of war... And it is only the love of honor that never grows old; and honor it is, not gain, as some would have it, that rejoices the heart of age and helplessness. Such was the Athens for which these men, in the assertion of their resolve not to lose her, nobly fought and died; and well may the living speak the praises of the dead who succumbed beneath the same compulsion; these witnesses have been impeached, and their testimony has been received. Homer might otherwise furnish a solemn text for the Panegyric of the heroes; since his poem is not without a lesson for those who have understanding, ‘For of all, these with their life's ending manifested most the counsels of their hearts’” (Pericles 45-48).
In this passage, Pericles not only extols the deeds of the fallen soldiers but also invokes Homer as a majestic touchstone for their valor and sacrifice. He aligns the soldiers with the Homeric heroes, inspiring the audience to foster the same sense of honor, courage, and devotion to their city-state as portrayed in the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pericles?
Pericles was a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator, and general of Athens during the city's Golden Age – specifically the time between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. He had such a profound impact on Athenian society that he is sometimes referred to as "the first citizen of Athens."
What is a eulogy and why is it significant?
A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died. It is significant because it serves both as a source of comfort for those who are grieving and as a means of celebrating the life and accomplishments of the deceased.
Why is Homer important in Greek culture?
Homer is revered as the legendary ancient Greek poet, traditionally said to be the author of the epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. He is a central figure in Greek culture, and his works are considered foundational texts of Western literature, providing themes and myths that have been drawn upon for centuries.
What is the connection between Pericles and Homer?
Pericles admired the work of Homer and often drew upon the cultural significance and moral lessons of Homer's poems. By mentioning Homer in his eulogy, Pericles was able to invoke the heroic and virtuous ideals found within Homer's works.
What was the purpose of Pericles's eulogy?
Pericles's eulogy was intended to honor the fallen soldiers of the Peloponnesian War and to commemorate their sacrifice for the city of Athens. It aimed to offer solace while affirming the values and the democratic ideals that they died defending.
How does mentioning Homer affect Pericles's audience?
Mentioning Homer likely resonated with Pericles's audience as it invoked the revered cultural heritage and the ideals of heroism, honor, and virtue that were central to Homer's epics and Greek society.
Does Pericles quote Homer directly in his eulogy?
While the full text of Pericles's eulogy does not survive, it is not believed that he quoted Homer directly. Rather, he alluded to Homeric themes and ideals to imbue his speech with greater weight and significance.
In which text do we find Pericles's eulogy?
Pericles's eulogy is famously found in Thucydides's work, "History of the Peloponnesian War," where it is recounted in a section often referred to as the "Funeral Oration."
What themes from Homer's works are relevant to Pericles's eulogy?
Themes of heroism, sacrifice, civic duty, and the pursuit of glory and honor are all central Homeric concepts that are echoed in Pericles's eulogy.
Was the use of Homeric references typical in ancient Greek oratory?
Yes, classical Greek orators frequently employed literary and historical references to embellish their rhetoric, persuade their audience, and underscore their points.
What can we learn about ancient Greek values from Pericles's eulogy?
We can learn that ancient Greek society valued bravery, public service, democratic principles, and the glory of dying for one's city. These values were encapsulated in the way Pericles crafted his eulogy using Homer's heroic archetypes.
Was Pericles's eulogy well received at the time?
While direct evidence of contemporary reception is scarce, Thucydides's account suggests that the Funeral Oration was regarded as a significant and fitting tribute to the deceased warriors.
Did Pericles see himself as a Homeric hero?
There is no concrete evidence to suggest Pericles saw himself as a Homeric hero, but he certainly admired the virtues presented in Homer's epics and aimed to embody and promote these ideals in his leadership.
How does understanding Pericles's eulogy help modern readers?
Understanding Pericles's eulogy helps modern readers gain insight into Athenian culture, the significance of public oration in ancient times, and the enduring influence of classical literature on historical figures and events.
What role did Greek mythology play in Pericles's speech?
Greek mythology, with its rich pantheon of gods and heroes, served as a cultural touchstone that Pericles could reference to enhance the moral and patriotic messages of his speech.
How is Pericles's use of Homer different from Homer's original context?
While Homer's epics were grounded in the mythic past and dealt with divine interactions and epic battles, Pericles used Homeric themes to address contemporary political and ethical issues within the framework of Athenian democracy.
Why study Pericles's eulogy in relation to Homer today?
Studying Pericles's eulogy in relation to Homer today offers valuable perspectives on the continuity and adaptation of cultural narratives, the art of rhetoric, and the interplay between literature and politics.
Are there specific virtues from Homer that Pericles wanted to highlight?
Pericles specifically wanted to highlight virtues such as courage, excellence (areté), and honor – all of which are central themes in Homer's works and were seen as essential qualities for the citizens to aspire to in his own era.
What is the historical significance of the Peloponnesian War in this context?
The Peloponnesian War marked a significant period in Greek history, showcasing the struggle for power and the contrast between Athenian democracy and Spartan oligarchy. Pericles's eulogy during this war helped solidify the Athenian values and resolve to continue the conflict.
Can we ascertain Pericles's personal feelings about the war through his eulogy?
Although Pericles was a political leader charged with maintaining public morale, some historians and literary analysts suggest that elements of his speech may reflect his personal convictions about the war's necessity and the honor of those who fought in it.
What lessons might Pericles's eulogy offer on leadership and governance?
Pericles's eulogy offers lessons on leadership and governance through its reflections on citizenship, the importance of shared values, and the role of collective sacrifice in the pursuit of a greater societal vision.
Did Pericles's eulogy have a lasting impact on Athenian society?
While the immediate effects of the eulogy on Athenian society are difficult to measure, its recording by Thucydides and continued study through the ages indicate that it left a lasting rhetorical legacy on the cultural consciousness of Western civilization.
Through Pericles' mention of Homer in his eulogy, we gain a compelling insight into the values, ideals, and aspirations of ancient Athenian society. His masterful connection of the fallen soldiers to the epic poetry of Homer underscores the power of art to shape collective identity and motivation, while also illustrating the importance of honor, sacrifice, and heroism as central defining elements in Athenian culture. As you reflect on this remarkable historical oration, we encourage you to explore other guides on Eulogy Assistant, share this article, and learn more about the art of composing a heartfelt eulogy for your loved ones.