Character: Menelaus Flashcards
How is Menelaus described by Homer ?
Book 3
- As Menelaus sees Paris emerging through the ranks he is described like a ‘lion’ hungry for a carcass
- The implications of a Greek warrior hungry for a fight reinforces his heroic status as it’s what we would expect of such a character
Book 17
- When debating wether to retreat or stand over Patroclus body Homer once again describes Menelaus as a ‘bearded Lion’
- the heroic implications are clear as a Lion was associated with ferocity and pride which demonstrates Menelaus kleos as Homer deemed him a heroic character deserving of such a description
Is Menelaus favoured by the gods ?
Book 4
- In the break in the war fighting after the duel, Pandarus fires an arrow at Menelaus after being convinced to by a disguised Athene
- however Homer enters the narrative saying ‘the immortal gods did not forget you Menelaus’
- Athene does not let the arrow mortally wound him and brushes it away however it still connects with his belt causing him to bleed
- Although there is some favour from the gods showing that they believe he is a deserving hero of divine intervention the extent to which is limited
book 17
- Athene appears before Menelaus in disguise as Phoenix and endows him strength and power as he tells her that he prayed to her
- Although she strengthens Menelaus there is a parallel to Diomedes who she appeared before undisguised and gave far greater help to
- although the gods favour him and he is seen as worthy of divine assistance the extent to which this is available to Menelaus compared to other heroes is limited
How is Menelaus described by other Characters ?
Book 3
- As Helen and the elders of Troy discuss the Greek Hero’s Antenor commends Menelaus
- He is described as being imposing in stature when stood up and an impressive speaker who ‘spoke fluently’
- Characteristics expected of a good hero and being commended for these by a Trojan reinforces Menelaus timé
How is Menelaus shown to be a more reasonable/ controlled hero ?
book 6
- Menelaus captures Adrestus alive and is nearly convinced to ransom him ‘Menelaus was inclined to agree’
- Agamemnon makes Menelaus change his mind however we are able to glimpse a more compassionate and reasonable hero in Menelaus compared to the more war driven Achilles or Agamemnon
book 23
- Menelaus is cut off by Antilochus in the chariot race and threatens to take his prize but he lets his anger subside and forgives Antilochus after he apologises
- ‘so Menelaus was your heart warmed’
- Menelaus is less driven by personal pride and anger and allows himself to be more reasonable making him more relatable and appealing to a modern reader
- perhaps to an ancient audience he may be seen as less heroic in sense of war fighting but instead a hero that demonstrates self control and restraint
How does Menelaus a compassionate and empathic element to his character ?
Book 17
- As the men learn of Patroclus death Menelaus describes how Patroclus was ‘ the soul of kindness’
- clearly and emphatic Hero who demonstrated emotion and a level of depth and empathy within his character
How does Helen describe Menelaus ?
book 3
- In her anger at Paris she scorns him and tells him she hoped he would die to her the ‘mighty warrior who was once my husband!’
- Menelaus is deemed to be far more heroic than Paris in terms of his ability on the battlefield such as courage, power and glory
- Cleary Menelaus’ timé is unrivalled when compared to a lesser hero such as Paris
