The Shield of Achilles

Topic

The Shield of Achilles

Instructions

The Shield of Achilles is impressive as it seems to invite interpretation. It appears to be like an image of the whole world on the shield. However, no one has been able to explain its meaning. Many speculate that it was a separate poem that was embedded in the Iliad. What reason might Homer have had for including it in the story? Is there anything there that might help is to the meaning of elucidating the Iliad?

Answer preview

Shield of Achilles, is a shield that is used by Achilles in a match with Hector, that is defined in Book 18, lines 478-608 of Homer’s Iliad. This tortuously details an image of the shield which has inspired several interpretations of the relevance it has not giving a definite answer. It is described as being that work which paints a very repugnant portrait of the contemporary life that is categorized through the inevitability and also soldierly horror and is put within the traditional lyricism and the strength of Iliad of Homer.

Word count: 1482