Iliad: Book 6 - Hector returning to Troy | Ascend The Great Books Podcast

[@piaraskelly1038]

I'm coming from a non-religious/agnostic place, but loving this series and your fascinating perspectives.

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

We are happy to have you. Keep up the good work reading Homer!

[@MeOldMateMurphy]

Thanks so much for putting this series together. My third time of reading the Iliad but the first time I've had the depth of thought and comparison, that you provide, to accompany the basic read. I've always known Hector's principled stand is the one to emulate, even in a lost cause, but I've never seen before Homer's comparison between Hector and Achilles and the fundamental questions that arise from that comparison. Thanks again!

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

You're very welcome! Keep up the good work.

[@andrewn2444]

I started listening to you guys because I’m going back to school at a catholic college and they are making me retake English under a more catholic tradition. Silver lining is I like this podcast. I’ll be listening in for y’all’s other books. You guys are funny and bring up some good topics for those participation points in class 🤫

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

Thanks! We are happy to help.

[@JulianaCinque]

Excellent and engaging Thank you

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ToxicMaleAlpha]

Loving this excellent podcast

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

Thanks man! Appreciate it

[@julianowak6948]

As a first time reader of the Iliad, Helen’s lamentations in this book reminded me a lot of the tone and overall character of Francesca from Dante’s 2nd circle of Hell.

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

That is a good connection.

[@NotMyGumDropButtons.444]

30:00 Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

Yes! Thank you. Shakespeare draws from the classics often.

[@JMJ-Jim]

My thought with Helen is Aphrodite tempts her to Paris. Akin to demonic temptation, the demon's will is forcing thoughts to sin on us, these temptations can be so strong they seem to override our wills, yet our will is still free to choose to deny or consent. I think Helen has incredibly strong temptations from Aphrodite to sin with Paris; she seems to do what she does not want to do because her virtue is weaker than Aphrodite's temptations. This is why I think she is having self pity, not manipulation nor true despair. She seems to admits her consent to sin and her longing to be in what appears to be rightly ordered love with Menelaus, but by Aphrodite's promptings Helen chooses sin because of her weak will.

[@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast]

A great thought! Many have sided this way. Dante did not though it seems.

[@JMJ-Jim]

@@AscendTheGreatBooksPodcast so something I've wondered are the gods akin to the Catholic, specifically Thomists', understanding of angels? Each is it's own species, immortal perfect intelligence (in regards to their role), etc. Or are they more so like Thor from Marvel (superhero with long life span but still mortal). If they are like angels, it makes sense how they inspire/tempt their champions. If not, I struggle to understand what exactly is a god.