Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Jun 7, 2021 23:57:17 GMT -5
Shield of Achilles, the shield that Achilles uses in his fight with Hector. (Greek mythology)
Shield of Achilles
Shield of Achilles
Homer gives a detailed description of the imagery which decorates the new shield. Starting from the shield's centre and moving outward, circle layer by circle layer, the shield is laid out as follows:
The Earth, sky and sea, the sun, the moon and the constellations (484–89)
"Two beautiful cities full of people": in one a wedding and a law case are taking place (490–508); the other city is besieged by one feuding army and the shield shows an ambush and a battle (509–40).
A field being ploughed for the third time (541–49).
A king's estate where the harvest is being reaped (550–60).
A vineyard with grape pickers (561–72).
A "herd of straight-horned cattle"; the lead bull has been attacked by a pair of savage lions which the herdsmen and their dogs are trying to beat off (573–86).
A picture of a sheep farm (587–89).
A dancing-floor where young men and women are dancing (590–606).
The great stream of Ocean (607–609).[5]
The Earth, sky and sea, the sun, the moon and the constellations (484–89)
"Two beautiful cities full of people": in one a wedding and a law case are taking place (490–508); the other city is besieged by one feuding army and the shield shows an ambush and a battle (509–40).
A field being ploughed for the third time (541–49).
A king's estate where the harvest is being reaped (550–60).
A vineyard with grape pickers (561–72).
A "herd of straight-horned cattle"; the lead bull has been attacked by a pair of savage lions which the herdsmen and their dogs are trying to beat off (573–86).
A picture of a sheep farm (587–89).
A dancing-floor where young men and women are dancing (590–606).
The great stream of Ocean (607–609).[5]