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Written by Fledermaus (3490 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
| I do wonder how the women of Cassandra's age looked upon such things as being taken by warriors and kings. I just reread some Nordic sagas and it seems that they sometimes even prided themselves in it. The concept of what is honorable and what is just seems to differ over time. In fact this very story about Agamemnon's family seems to reveal a lot of things that must have been moral dilemmas in the ancient world: How does one avenge kin slaying? |
Written by Phil (6963 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
I'm not sure the ancients had many moral dilemmas when it came to women. Often ill used and the tools of fate - more than bit-part players, but there to move the narrative, not be the centre of it. At least that's what my limited knowledge tells me. I could, as ever, be miles off.
Very interesting reflection on the myth. Odd, how characters from Greek myth are treated almost as real people, whereas characters in modern literature are treated just as characters - inventions of the author. Perhaps there's an element of the stories and the characters they contain maturing and becoming cyphers for ideas. That, and of course, the characters are pretty widely known.
I digress.
Enjoyed this. Made me think a bit too - even if it was at a tangent.
This:
the bitter taste
of the saliva that the petulant god
had spat into her mouth?
Though uncomplicatedly straightforward, is extremely vivid.
Phil |
Written by Fledermaus (3490 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
Sorry for interrupting this, but to answer to Phil:
You might want to read the Nibelungenlied and the Volsunga saga: There the women are at the centre of the story and the whole plot (as well as the doom of whole kingdoms) is driven by a feud between two of them. |
Written by Phil (6963 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
Thanks for the tip, I'll take a look.
Phil |
Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3567 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
I always enjoy reading these.It introduces me to these myths in an accessible way. It brilliantly gives a overview of the story so if I attempt to find out more I have at least some understanding of it.
Not only that but it is written in such an elegant and vividly dramatic way that I was happy to read and take in the content.
For me you bridge the gap between the highbrow and lay person's interest. To paraphrase one of my favourite poems
"You walk with kings nor lose the common touch"
I sense the deep knowledge and learning but it doesn't get in the way of expression.
cheers
jane |
Taking women
Written by patterjack (1435 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
Connotations are a complicating factor -- are they not , Maus ?
Understanding whether taking can be used as if women were to be used with respect , or as honoured hostages -- or whether it meant rapine (nb the Latin word rapio is a question o content of the story.
The treatment of women in wartime has never ceased to horrify me.
Moral dilemmas on the other hand -- see the story of Orestes
patterjack |
Archetypes -- Phil
Written by patterjack (1435 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
I think that the myths provide us with them.
One problem arising from this is that reading the myths at an early age can have a great moral effect -- and that is a dangerous statement to make , but I base it partly on my experience of Peter Parley's Tales of Greece and Rome - one of series of books that did a lot to affect my thinking in my childhood .
However my respect for some of the heroes -- e g Theseus , changed greatly as I grew older 
patterjack |
Thanks Jane
Written by patterjack (1435 comments posted) 7th September 2008 |
Very appreciative of your appreciation !!
I sometimes wonder whether perhaps I spend too much time on the myths and legends
patterjack |
Written by mia_ms_kim (1057 comments posted) 11th September 2008 |
I don't know much about myths, but this is very vivid, reads like a real story based on history. I enjoyed the review comments as well. There is something about the fierce dignity and honour about this ancient female figure that inspires a deep curiosity as well as admiration from me. So I didn't dwell much on moral dilemmas or the treatment of women by men etc. To me, they were just tools used to showcase of this strong undefeatable women. I wonder if I can think of a modern equivalent???
Mia  |
The law ...
Written by patterjack (1435 comments posted) 11th September 2008 |
... is likely to get in the way nowadays , Mia . But there are some countries that could do with a ( non-executed ) Cassandra .
Thanks for the review.
patterjack |
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