The Iliad - I Am Woman, Hear Me Out

I Am Woman, Hear Me Out

Until the twentieth century, society was always dominated by the male race, with women seen as inferiors. Similarly, The Iliad exemplifies a perspective that women are constantly considered as men's prizes that were subject to manipulation; however, Homer used certain female characters, such as Athene, to tear apart the cultural concepts of the masculine hero. Athene understands her role as being submissive to men, mostly Zeus, but she usually works within the patriarchal system to accomplish what she wants. Thus, she tries to work around Zeus's commands. She embraces her ability to influence several men through her power of persuasion. Moreover, Athene participates in the development of the war and persuades many of the Achaian men to continue fighting. Additionally, this cunning and brusque goddess often gives orders to some of the male. With Athene, Homer weakens the patriarchy of this society.

Although Athene always follows commands from Zeus, she often controls other male figures. In Book Five, in the midst of the Trojan War, Ares, the god of war, intervenes and helps Hector and the Trojans gain an upper hand against the Achaians. Ares' murders cause Athene to become upset. In Book Five, Homer depicts,

"[G]rey-eyed Athene/ took violent Ares by the hand, and in words she spoke to him:/ 'Ares, Ares, manslaughtering, blood-stained, stormer of strong walls,/ shall we not leave the Trojans and Achaians to struggle/ after whatever Zeus father grants glory to either,/ while we two give ground together and avoid Zeus' anger?'" (Homer 5.29-34).

Athene can be seen as possibly the older sister who guides Ares in the right direction. By the end of Book Five, Ares ignores Athene's advice and continues to help Diomedes until Athene actually wounds Ares in the battle. Ares dashes to Zeus to complain, but Zeus simply asserts, "Do not sit beside me and whine, you double-faced liar./ To me you are the most hateful of all gods who hold Olympos" (Homer 5.889-890). Although this society believed men were superior to women, Zeus did not seem to mind that Athene took control and struck Ares. Furthermore, Homer utilizes Athene to break apart the idea of the masculine hero. Athene, hence, is the feminine hero in this epic story.

Athene knows how to work around the system of patriarchy. Everyone, including Athene, comprehends that Zeus is the most powerful of mortals and immortals. In Book Eight, Zeus orders the gods and goddesses to stay out of the war. Athene responds,

"Son of Kronos, our father, o lordliest of the mighty,/ we know already you strength and how none can stand up against it./ Yet even we are sorrowful for the Danaan spearmen/ who must fill out an unhappy destiny, and perish./ Still we shall keep out of the fighting, as you command us;/ yet we will put good counsel in the Argives; if it may help them,/ so that not all of them will die because of your anger" (Homer 8.31-37).

Athene lets Zeus know that she will obey his commands;