Why Does Pericles Mention Homer In His Eulogy? What Does He Imply About Poets And Poetry

Pericles, one of the most renowned statesmen and orators of ancient Athens, left a great impact on Western civilization through his leadership and rousing speeches. Among his legendary speeches stands his famous eulogy, given at the annual public funeral for fallen Athenian soldiers. But why does Pericles mention the epic poet Homer in his eulogy, and what implications does he make about poetry and poets? In this article, we will delve deeper into the context and purpose behind Pericles invoking the great poet, while shedding light on the role and power of poetry in ancient Greek society.

Homer and the Greek Tradition

Homer is regarded as the pinnacle of ancient Greek poetry, being the author of two epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. His works were considered essential in spreading Greek culture and providing moral values and heroic examples that shaped Grecian society. Thus, the mere mention of Homer's name instilled a sense of great tradition, pride, and cultural significance in the minds of Pericles' audience.

Pericles' Purpose in Mentioning Homer

Pericles refers to Homer in his eulogy to emphasize that the fallen Athenian warriors are as deserving of praise as the heroes in Homer's epics. By aligning their deeds with the valor, strength, and nobility of legendary Greek heroes such as Achilles or Odysseus, Pericles elevates the fallen soldiers to the status of mythical heroes. This not only serves to honor their sacrifice but also to provide a lasting legacy of their bravery that future generations can admire and emulate.

Relevance of Poetry in Documenting History

In ancient Greece, poets held significant influence as custodians of history and collective memory, recording the deeds and virtues of great men through their narratives. Pericles implies that similar to the way Homer immortalized the heroes of the Trojan War, a poet must capture the valor and sacrifices of the Athenian soldiers. The importance of preserving the memory of the fallen soldiers in a poetic form asserts the enduring influence of poetry in the ancient Greek society.

The Power of Public Recognition and Honor

Pericles brings forth the significance of public recognition and honor as a key aspect of Greek culture. When mentioning Homer, he implicates that poets have the power to immortalize and praise their subjects through their compositions. This recognition was highly valued in ancient Greece, as the fame and glory attributed to an individual or family could resonate for generations. By invoking the name of Homer, Pericles underlines the essential role of poets and their capacity to bestow honor and glory upon the fallen.

Why Does Pericles Mention Homer In His Eulogy? What Does He Imply About Poets And Poetry Example:

In Pericles' eulogy, he speaks:

"For the whole earth is the tomb 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."
- Pericles, as quoted in Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War

The mention of the "unwritten memorial" showcases the essential role of poetry and the power of words in immortalizing brave people. In ancient Greece, the "hearts of men" would be filled with the words of poets, such as Homer, who preserved the memory of the heroes and their actions so that they lived on in the collective consciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Pericles?

Pericles was a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator, and general during the Golden Age of Athens, specifically in the 5th century BCE. He played a leading role in Athens' political and cultural life and is credited with promoting the arts, literature, and the democratic institutions of the time.

What is Pericles known for?

Pericles is best known for his contributions to the development of Athenian democracy and for his efforts in building the Acropolis and the Parthenon. He also led Athens during the first two years of the Peloponnesian War.

What is the significance of Homer in ancient Greek culture?

Homer is regarded as the greatest of the ancient Greek epic poets, author of the Iliad and the Odyssey. These works were central to Greek culture, serving as the basis for education and embodying the ideals and values of the time.

Why does Pericles mention Homer in his funeral oration/eulogy?

Pericles mentions Homer to draw a parallel between the heroic ideals depicted in Homer's epics and the virtues demonstrated by the Athenian soldiers who died in battle. His reference implies a continuation of valiant tradition and cultural legacy.

What does Pericles imply about poets and poetry in his speech?

In his eulogy, Pericles implies that poets and poetry play an essential role in preserving the memory of great deeds and encouraging future generations through their inspirational examples of heroism and virtue.

Can you explain the context in which Pericles refers to Homer?

Pericles refers to Homer during a public funeral oration, which was part of the funeral rites held to honor the Athenian soldiers who had fallen in the first year of the Peloponnesian War. He uses Homer's legacy as a means to extol the virtues of the deceased.

How does the mention of Homer contribute to Pericles's message?

By mentioning Homer, Pericles reinforces the nobility of the soldiers’ sacrifices, connecting them to the timeless narratives of heroism and valor. This link serves to elevate the soldiers' status to that of the epic heroes of old, thereby comforting the bereaved and instilling pride in the citizenry.

What role did poetry play in ancient Greek society?

In ancient Greek society, poetry was not only a form of art and entertainment but also a medium of education, cultural transmission, and memorialization. Poets were revered as the bearers of wisdom and history, shaping societal values and ideals.

Does Pericles’s eulogy suggest a function of poetry beyond mere storytelling?

Yes, Pericles suggests that poetry has a function beyond storytelling—it serves to immortalize the honorable deeds of individuals, to instill moral values, and to provide comfort and inspiration to the living.

What is the Funeral Oration of Pericles and when was it delivered?

The Funeral Oration of Pericles was a speech delivered at the end of the first year of the Peloponnesian War, as part of the commemoration of the fallen Athenian soldiers. It happened around 431 BCE and is recorded by the historian Thucydides in his work "History of the Peloponnesian War."

Is there any historical evidence that Pericles admired Homer personally?

While specific documentation of Pericles’ personal admiration for Homer is scarce, it is likely that he, like many of his contemporaries, held Homer in high regard, given the poet's significant influence on Greek culture and education.

Do other historical figures besides Pericles reference Homer in similar contexts?

Yes, other historical figures in ancient Greece also referenced Homer, particularly in contexts emphasizing valor, honor, and the cultural heritage of Greece. Homer's epics were a common touchstone for drawing parallels to contemporary events or individuals.

How does Pericles’s use of Homer's image serve his political purposes?

Pericles's use of Homer's image serves his political purposes by unifying the public, glorifying Athenian democracy, and reinforcing the belief in the superiority of Athenian values and way of life, thereby legitimizing his leadership and the war effort.

What lasting impact did Pericles's speech have on views of poetry and heroism?

Pericles's speech perpetuated the intrinsic link between poetry and heroism, promoting the idea that poetic narratives are integral to celebrating and memorializing heroic acts. This perspective on the function of poetry has had a lasting impact on literary traditions.

How does the perception of Homer's work differ from the time of Pericles to today?

The perception of Homer's work has evolved over time. In Pericles's era, Homer's epics were seen as repositories of cultural heritage and moral guidance, whereas today, they are also studied for their literary, historical, and mythological significance.

Are the themes spoken about in Pericles's eulogy still relevant in contemporary society?

Yes, the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the commemoration of the deceased through poetic and narrative arts, as addressed in Pericles's eulogy, continue to be relevant in contemporary society, especially in remembrance and honor of those lost in conflicts.

In what ways do modern poets and authors draw inspiration from Homeric epics?

Modern poets and authors often draw upon Homeric themes such as the journey, struggle, and heroism. Many also experiment with form and style, homage, adaptation, or critique to explore contemporary issues while referring back to the epics' timeless narratives.

What does Pericles's eulogy tell us about the role of the state in promoting arts and culture?

Pericles's eulogy underscores the ancient Greek view that the state has a role in promoting arts and culture, not only as a form of public morale but also as a facet of civic education and collective identity, reflecting the state's values and ideologies.

Can the impact of Poetry on society during Pericles's time be compared to any modern form of media?

The impact of poetry on society during Pericles's time can be likened to modern forms of media such as films, music, and literature, which today play a similar role in shaping societal values, preserving collective memory, and inspiring individuals.

What lessons can contemporary politicians draw from Pericles's use of cultural references in his oration?

Contemporary politicians can learn from Pericles's use of cultural references about the power of tapping into shared heritage and symbols. Such references can create solidarity, generate patriotism, and provide solace during challenging times.

In conclusion, the mention of Homer in Pericles' eulogy holds a profound significance. It highlights the elevated status of poets and their role in immortalizing the brave deeds of heroes in ancient Greek society. Pericles' invocation of Homer underscores the importance of cultural legacy and the lasting impact of glory, as embodied by the fallen soldiers. As you remember the people you have lost, let Eulogy Assistant be your guide in crafting a heartfelt speech that resonates with the strength of the spoken word. Don't hesitate to explore our other articles and resources to assist you in this moment of remembering and honoring a loved one.