Why Homer Matters

Nicolson (God's Secretaries) interprets Achilles, the most powerful warrior in Homer's Iliad, as descending from ancient horse-mounted nomads on the Eurasian Steppes and representative of individualism, the rejection of authority and materialism, and antiurbanism—aspects all embodied by his nemesis Agamemnon. This is a highly dubious reading as Achilles is perceived in Greek mythology to be a quintessential hero, and his rejection of Agamemnon is a rejection solely of the man. Achilles is often seen as the best; a vital and necessary influence for the Hellenes to triumph at Troy. If Nicolson's claim that Achilles is an outsider is correct, then the rebuke from his fellow heroes would be stronger. Yet they intuitively understand his stance and are sympathetic, never considering Achilles as anything less than the best of them. Nevertheless, Nicolson's argument is intriguing and the author's love of and engagement with Homer is contagious. This interpretation will leave readers wanting to put the book down and revisit the epics.