II. The Inner Ring of Achilles’ Shield: CIVIL LIFE
II.1: WEDDING PROCESSION
Inner Ring: Wedding Procession. From the Shield of Achilles by Kathleen Vail
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“Two cities he pictured, of eloquent men, each in well-rendered scenes;
With weddings in one, and feasts awaiting as torchmen led brides from their homes.
In front and behind the procession was growing, with townsmen singing in choir,
And others played lyres or piped on their flutes, and dancing ’round to the tune.
Women stood still as the brides passed by and gazed in awe at the sight.”
[Homer’s Iliad, Book 18, Lines 490-495, Vail’s translation]
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II.2: CONFLICT IN THE MARKET
Inner Ring: CONFLICT IN THE MARKET. From the Shield of Achilles by Kathleen Vail
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“Then in the market, surrounded by men, two argued the blood-price for murder.
The guilty man loudly claimed he would pay, but the other quickly decried him.
They both demanded a verdict by judges, and crowds had to be restrained
From yelling encouragement to the men and adding to the tumult.”
[Homer’s Iliad, Book 18, Lines 496-504, Vail’s translation]
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II.3: JUDGEMENT OF THE ELDERS
Inner Ring: JUDGEMENT OF THE ELDERS. From the Shield of Achilles by Kathleen Vail
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“The Elders each sat in the sacred circle on seats of smooth-polished marble.
The honored staff of the clear-speaking Herald each carried in his hand,
And using it both for support and oration, each stood and spoke in turn.
Placed in the center were two bars of gold as a prize for the straightforward judge
Who would best decide how to solve the issue, and speak most righteously.”
[Homer’s Iliad, Book 18, Lines 505-508, Vail’s translation]
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Continue to III. Middle Ring: WARTIME
THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES 