Rivers of Fire
Rivers of Fire
Rivers of Fire
Rivers of Fire
Rivers of Fire
Rivers of Fire
Trending Bestseller

Rivers of Fire

Mythic Themes in Homer's Iliad

Christopher J. MacKie

No reviews yet Write a Review
Paperback / softback
01 February 2008
$34.00
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Description  
This book explores the different generations of heroes in early Greek myth and Homer's vision of war through four important symbolic themes- Monsters, Horses, Archers, and Fire.In the Greek mythical tradition there are 'early' heroes like Perseus and Heracles and Bellerophon, who all make a name for themselves by confronting terrifying monsters (like Medusa and Cerberus and the Chimaera). And then there are 'later' heroes, some of whom acquire their renown in the war at Troy (people like Achilles and Ajax and Agamemnon). The central focus of this book is the way that Homer's great epic poem the Iliad deals with these different generations of heroes. Heracles is a particularly important background figure in the Iliad, not least because he himself is meant to have sacked Troy in earlier times. In one sense the second Greek expedition against Troy rivals the earlier one, and is distinguished from it in many different ways. Rivers of Fire argues that in the Iliad an evolution in heroic conduct is meant to have taken place. The earlier defeat of Troy by Heracles was completed with a level of humanity and compassion. The city survived and prospered after the crisis of Heracles' defeat. The emphasis in the later sack of Troy in the Iliad, however, is on the use of fire as a means of utterly destroying the city. There will be no survival for Troy this second time around, once Agamemnon and his army are within its magnificent walls."Mackie offers a compelling and very coherent interpretation of the Iliad. Its clear and jargon free style will make it an attractive addition to any reading list on epic."- Peter Toohey, Professor and Head of Classics, University of Calgary."This book is a significant contribution to our understanding both of Homer and of Greek myth. Moreover, its discussion of war andits consequences strikes a note very much in tune with our owncontemporary world."- John Davidson, Professor of Classics, Victoria University of Wellington.
Customer reviews  

This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!

Write a Reviews
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  
$34.00
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  

Rivers of Fire

$34.00

Description

This book explores the different generations of heroes in early Greek myth and Homer's vision of war through four important symbolic themes- Monsters, Horses, Archers, and Fire.In the Greek mythical tradition there are 'early' heroes like Perseus and Heracles and Bellerophon, who all make a name for themselves by confronting terrifying monsters (like Medusa and Cerberus and the Chimaera). And then there are 'later' heroes, some of whom acquire their renown in the war at Troy (people like Achilles and Ajax and Agamemnon). The central focus of this book is the way that Homer's great epic poem the Iliad deals with these different generations of heroes. Heracles is a particularly important background figure in the Iliad, not least because he himself is meant to have sacked Troy in earlier times. In one sense the second Greek expedition against Troy rivals the earlier one, and is distinguished from it in many different ways. Rivers of Fire argues that in the Iliad an evolution in heroic conduct is meant to have taken place. The earlier defeat of Troy by Heracles was completed with a level of humanity and compassion. The city survived and prospered after the crisis of Heracles' defeat. The emphasis in the later sack of Troy in the Iliad, however, is on the use of fire as a means of utterly destroying the city. There will be no survival for Troy this second time around, once Agamemnon and his army are within its magnificent walls."Mackie offers a compelling and very coherent interpretation of the Iliad. Its clear and jargon free style will make it an attractive addition to any reading list on epic."- Peter Toohey, Professor and Head of Classics, University of Calgary."This book is a significant contribution to our understanding both of Homer and of Greek myth. Moreover, its discussion of war andits consequences strikes a note very much in tune with our owncontemporary world."- John Davidson, Professor of Classics, Victoria University of Wellington.

Customers Also Viewed

Discover Books for Every Interest at BookLoop

Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.

Books on Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening, and More

For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.

Transport, Contemporary Fiction, and Picture Books for Kids

Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.

School Books, Teacher Resources, and Academic Textbooks

Textbooks for Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education

BookLoop proudly supports the educational needs of students and schools across Australia. Our textbook collection includes school books and teacher resources for every phase from primary school books, secondary school books, and essential titles for TAFE courses, vocational training, and university study. Each book is selected to align with curriculum outcomes and classroom needs, making it easy for schools and teachers to plan ahead.

Teacher Resources and Classroom Support Materials

From structured lesson planning to engaging student activities, our wide range of school books and teacher resources provides essential tools for educators. You’ll also find dedicated school and preschool teacher materials designed for early years education, classroom support, and intervention. Teachers can access a reliable selection of workbooks, literacy and numeracy programs, assessment tools, and professional development guides all in one place.

Books for Early Learning Centres and Childcare Professionals

Support the earliest stages of education with our curated range of early childhood care and education books. These titles are ideal for early learning centres, preschools, and childcare settings, offering age-appropriate resources that build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and emotional development. Families and educators alike trust our resources for quality, clarity, and classroom effectiveness.

Bulk Book Orders for Schools and Educational Institutions

We make bulk school book orders simple and efficient. Schools, libraries, and early learning centres can rely on BookLoop for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert support when sourcing large quantities of textbooks and educational materials. Whether you’re restocking for a new term or ordering resources for an entire class, our bulk ordering system ensures convenience and accuracy every step of the way.

Stay Up to Date with Book Trends

Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.

Explore the Latest and Most Loved Books

Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.