Community Conflict in The Odyssey Coursework

Introduction

The Iliad heroes, Diomedes and Glaucus, provide a glimpse into the constructs of community and conflict. Glaucus, Hippolochus’ son, was a Lycian prince who fought heroically against the Greeks in the Trojan war. Meanwhile, Diomedes is among Achaean’s best warriors, born to Tydeus, among Thebes’ great figures. Homer introduces Diomedes and Glaucus at an odd setting as if for a duel, which ends without a fight, and rather, a reconciliation. Although De Marco portrays Glaucus as a coward, the amiable outcome of the scene makes both Diomedes and Glaucus war-ethos of the Illiad book VI. Community conflict, especially in a socio-economic or political context, can be complex and thus, comprehending conflict dynamics is key in working out the potential for resolution.

Community and Conflict

Conflict

The war that started in Illiad book V continues in book VI. Even in contemporary society, conflict often goes beyond a political situation into a lasting conflict between various collectives. Along with the epic fight, Patroclus gets killed and Achilles re-enters the battle. However, a distinctive change occurs, from barbarity to humanity and honour. Agamemnon’s savagery is contrasted with Glaucus and Diomedes’ kinship. When the two stepped into the battlefield, they challenge themselves to personal combat. However, they discover the ties of their grandfathers’ friendship while exchanging individual pedigrees, ‘Splendid—you are my friend, my guest from the days of our grandfathers long ago’. As per the heroic code, Glaucus and Diomedes must maintain the same bond of friendship. ‘Both fighters sprang from their chariots, clasped each other’s hands and traded pacts of friendship’. Diomedes and Glaucus embody similar value systems of conflict resolution since they turned conflict into an opportunity for friendship and greater civilization.

Community

The community was essentially a cornerstone in classical Greek. Glaucus and Diomedes’ theorization of community implies a social network based on shared ties, ‘The men must know our claim: we are sworn friends from our fathers’ days till now’. When people share values and goals with those around them, it can help make meaningful connections never realized before. Nonetheless, communities can be oppressive forces when they assume different identities based on exclusionary principles, ‘Look, plenty of Trojans there for me to kill, your famous allies too, any soldier the god will bring in range or I can run to ground. And plenty of Argives too-kill them if you can’. While community building with shared values is mostly planned, some happen spontaneously in unlikely situations, often around war or tragedy for support, ‘So now I am your host and friend in the heart of Argos, you are mine in Lycia when I visit in your country. Come, let us keep clear of each other’s spears, even there in the thick of battle’. Besides, the fundamental meaning of community continues to change because of technological and sociological discourse that expand avenues of expression and connection between people.

Conclusion

The comprehension of conflict dynamics is key in working out the potential for resolution. Conflict rips communities apart but shared values bring people together, leaving a trail of heroic stories. Such a story is that of Glaucus and Diomedes who recognized their ancestors as heroes, resulting in mutual respect between the two. Glaucus and Diomedes underscore the themes of conflict and community and hence the focus on conflict resolution through a communal framework. Community possesses varying social, political, and ethical dimensions that find recurrent expressions in present settings.

References

Baumer, E., 2021. Sing, muses, of the grief of Achilles: An analysis of the grief of Achilles in the Iliad using coping theory and grief psychology (Doctoral dissertation, University of Minnesota).

De Marco, S., 2018. Poetic imagery of leaves and the solemn oath of Achilles. Malta Classics Association.

Fagles, R. and Knox, B., 1997. The Odyssey. Penguin Classics.

Mackowiak, K., 2021. Homer’s Thebes: Epic rivalries and the appropriation of mythical pasts. Hellenic studies series, 84. Washington, DC: Center for Hellenic Studies, 2020. Bryn Mawr Classical Review.