Aristeia

An aristeia or aristia (/ˌærɪˈstiːə/; Ancient Greek: ἀριστεία [aristěːaː], "excellence") is a scene in the dramatic conventions of epic poetry as in the Iliad, where a hero in battle has his finest moments (aristos = "best"). Aristeia may result in the death of the hero, and therefore suggests a "battle in which he reaches his peak as a fighter and hero".[1]

Examples

Literally, "moment of excellence", aristeiai often coincide with battleground slaughter, like in Homer's Iliad,[2] and feature one warrior who dominates the battle.[3] For example, Achilles' aristeia in Books 20–22 where he almost single-handedly routs the Trojan army and then goes on to kill its champion Hector. Achilles' "extended and phenomenal solo performances in battle"[4] are shown in the epic's "longest and most murderous" series of events.[5][6]

Other instances of this phenomenon in the Iliad are found in Diomedes' "preeminent deeds" in battle while empowered by Athena (Books 5 and 6 - the longest after Achilles' from Book 20–22),[5] Hector's leading of the Trojan assault on the Achaian camp in Book 8 (with the help of Zeus), Agamemnon's aristeia in Book 11 where his rampage prompts Zeus to warn Hector against meeting him in battle,[7] as well as Patroclus' aristeia in Book 16, which ultimately leads to his demise at the hands of Hector.[8] Book 16 illustrates how aristeiai often fit into the "epic overextension"[9] of battles: the arming of the warriors, the march into battle, the initial clash, the intense exchanges, and the retreat of one of the armies—often leading to a hero's opportunity for his aristeia.[10]

In Book 22 of the Odyssey, Greek hero Odysseus slaughters all of the suitors in his palace in another homeric display of martial excellence. Aristeia also suggests the qualities of the hero that make his great deeds possible, such as Odysseus' polymetis ("cunning intelligence") that allows him to triumph over the Polyphemus in Book 9 of the Odyssey.[11]

Aristeia is also seen, to some extent, in the Aeneid, when Nisus and Euryalus leave the Trojan defences in Book 9 to slaughter the Latin captains while they sleep.[12] It also features in Book 10, when Mezentius takes the place of Turnus and strikes down all in his path:[13] it draws upon Homeric models, using a simile. Camilla also has an aristeia in Book 11 killing twelve opponents, but ends with her death.[14]

See also

Arete (excellence)

References
  1. Linn, Bob (n.d.). "The Iliad: Summary and Analysis Book V". Cliff's Notes. Retrieved 2020-08-05.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Rossman, Gabriel (2017). "Glory and Gore". Contexts. 16 (3): 44. Retrieved 2020-08-05.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  3. Willcock, M. M. (1983). "Battle Scenes in the Aeneid". Proceedings of the Cambridge Philological Society. New Series No. 29. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 88.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  4. Raaflaub, Kurt A. "Historical Approaches to Homer". In Deger-Jalkotzy, Sigrid; Lemos, Irene S. (eds.). Ancient Greece: From the Mycenaean Palaces to the Age of Homer. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. p. 457. ISBN 0748618899.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  5. Homer (1990). The Iliad. Translated by Fagles, Robert. New York: Penguin. p. 625.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  6. Rossman 2017, p. 45.
  7. Rabel, Robert J. (1990). "Agamemnon's Aristeia: Iliad 11.101-21". Syllecta Classica. 2: 1–7. Retrieved 2020-08-05.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  8. Allan, William (May 2005). "Arms and the Man: Euphorbus, Hector, and the Death of Patroclus". The Classical Quarterly. 55 (1): 1–16. Retrieved 2020-08-05.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  9. Raaflaub, Kurt A. (2008). "Homeric Warriors and Battles: Trying to Resolve Old Problems". The Classical World. 101 (4): 469. Retrieved 2020-08-05.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  10. Raaflaub 2008, pp. 476–77, 481.
  11. Friedrich, Rainer (1987). "Heroic Man and Polymetis: Odysseus in the Cyclopeia". Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies. 28 (2): 121. Retrieved 2020-08-05.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  12. Makowski, John F. (1989). "Nisus and Euryalus: A Platonic Relationship". The Classical Journal. 85 (1): 3, 10–13.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  13. Willcock 1983, p. 97.
  14. Willcock 1983, p. 91.


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