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Iliad

Homer
Mentions22
Episodes21
Podcasts6

Why listeners keep surfacing Iliad

Iliad by Homer appears 22 times across 21 podcast episodes on 6 shows, with transcript quotes and timestamps.

Recent mentions on The Rest Is History, Hardcore History, and Modern Wisdom.

The Iliad continues to be a prominent topic across various podcasts, reflecting its enduring influence on literature and culture. In episodes of The Rest Is History, the book is referenced in discussions about key characters like Achilles and Diomedes, highlighting its role in shaping narratives around heroism and friendship in ancient Greek society. The podcast also notes the Iliad's mention of Phoenician merchants, emphasizing its significance in historical contexts.

Other podcasts, such as Joe Rogan Experience and Modern Wisdom, explore the themes of powerlessness and decision-making found in the Iliad, with guests discussing its relevance to contemporary issues. The Iliad's impact on military strategy is noted in Hardcore History, where it is suggested that historical figures like Philip II drew inspiration from its content. Overall, the book's exploration of human experience and its historical connections keep it relevant in modern discussions across multiple platforms.

Recommendation signals

The host discusses Alexander the Great's admiration for 'The Iliad' and how he considered it a crucial guide for warfare. This mention serves to highlight the importance of continuous learning and reading, even in the midst of conflict.

The host discusses the significance of Alexander the Great's story and its connections to Greek mythology, particularly the Iliad. They emphasize how this narrative serves as a gateway to understanding ancient history and the complexities surrounding its historical accounts.

The host discusses how Scipio's portrayal in Livy's writings reflects a shift in Roman military leadership, drawing parallels to Homeric heroes like Achilles. This comparison highlights the evolving nature of Roman identity and the influence of Greek culture on its leaders.

Best for
History enthusiasts and readers interested in military strategyHistory enthusiasts and students of ancient mythologyStudents of classical literature and historyStudents and enthusiasts of classical literature
Where it keeps coming up

Recent show rotation: The Rest Is History, Hardcore History, and Modern Wisdom.

Guests tied to these mentions include Zeus, Connor Beaton, Paris, and Stavros Halkias.

Fastest path back to the source: the first indexed mention lands at 33:54 in the episode where we captured it.

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Mentions across episodes

Every mention card links back to the episode page and exact transcript anchor.

The way that people are described in the Iliad, for instance, seeing Achilles.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Students of classical literature and history
Key quote: I mean, it's quite Homeric. It's the way that people are described in the Iliad, for instance, seeing Achilles.
The host discusses how Scipio's portrayal in Livy's writings reflects a shift in Roman military leadership, drawing parallels to Homeric heroes like Achilles. This comparison highlights the evolving nature of Roman identity and the influence of Greek culture on its leaders.

The Iliad is supposedly Alexander's favorite book, which he carried with him, annotated by his tutor Aristotle. It's one of the oldest complete works in the Western literary canon.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and enthusiasts of classical literature
Key quote: Go read the Iliad, by the way, if you want to see the sort of stuff that Alexander was so enamored with.
The host discusses how Alexander the Great was influenced by the character of Achilles from the Iliad, viewing him as a model of warrior prowess and leadership. This connection is emphasized by Alexander's belief in his own lineage as a descendant of Achilles, which shaped his ambitions and actions in battle.

Diomedes, one of the most famous Greek warriors, appears in the Iliad and is the great friend of Odysseus. The stories from Homer are part of the common stock of literary material that people are familiar with.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Students and enthusiasts of Greek literature and history
Key quote: But we know about Odysseus, we know about Troy and all of that stuff because of the Iliad.
The host discusses the connections between the stories of Thebes and the Iliad, highlighting how the latter has overshadowed other narratives in Greek literature. This exploration of themes and historical context illustrates the significance of the Iliad in shaping cultural memory and storytelling in ancient Greece.

Homer's poems, the most famous of all, are the Iliad and the Odyssey, telling the story of the Trojan War and the return of Odysseus.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Students and enthusiasts of classical literature
Key quote: Homer is around the same time as Hesiod.
The host discusses the significance of Greek mythology and its foundational texts, particularly focusing on the works of Homer and Hesiod. The mention of the 'Iliad' serves to highlight its importance in the context of European literature and the storytelling tradition.

The Iliad also represents a journey of powerlessness, emphasizing the importance of venturing into the unknown.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Men seeking personal growth and emotional maturity
Key quote: If you look at any of the great myths out there, like the Odyssey or the Iliad, they go on a journey of powerlessness.
The host mentions 'The Iliad' to illustrate the theme of embarking on a journey filled with powerlessness, which is essential for personal growth. This classic work serves as a metaphor for the emotional battles individuals face and the lessons learned through vulnerability.

The Iliad was a huge book in Macedonian society, and it's suggested that Philip II may have drawn inspiration for his pike phalanxes from it.

Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and students of military strategy
Key quote: Unlike the Iliad's heroes, this great warrior-king who took the field every year of his 23-year reign, save one when he was recovering from wounds, who took part in 28 campaigns and 11 sieges, who captured 45 cities, if one can trust Demosthenes, and who was seriously wounded at least five times, never went to war for its own sake or only for personal glory.
The host references 'The Iliad' to contrast the heroic ideals of warfare depicted by Homer with Philip II's pragmatic approach to war as a tool of state policy. This comparison highlights how Philip's strategies were more focused on results than personal glory, which is a departure from the traditional heroic narratives.

The leading men of Troy sat upon the tower, and they as they saw Helen approaching in undertone spoke winged words to one another.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Students of literature and mythology
Key quote: Socrates says the whole universe goes mad.
The host discusses the complexities of Helen's character in the context of the Trojan War, referencing the 'Iliad' to illustrate her significance. The mention of the book serves to highlight the themes of beauty and power that drive the conflict between the Greeks and Trojans.

The Iliad mentions Phoenician merchants and their goods, highlighting their significance in ancient Greek literature.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Readers interested in ancient history and literature
Key quote: in the Iliad, the funeral games that are held for Patroclus, the beloved of Achilles in the Iliad, the first prize in the foot race is a kind of beautiful silver mixing bowl that has been made in Sidon and brought by Phoenician merchants.
The host mentions the Iliad to illustrate how Homer references the Phoenicians, showcasing their role in ancient trade and culture. This serves to highlight the historical context of the Phoenicians as depicted by both Homer and Herodotus.
Transcript mentionJump to mention

I'm reading the Iliad. I'm really into the Trojan Warship right now. And it's like Achilles had that thing where they were like, you have two options.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in the philosophical implications of legacy and personal sacrifice.
Key quote: It's like Achilles had that thing where they were like, you have two options. You can be a short life, but you're the most fucking big dick warrior of all time.
The host discusses the themes of glory and legacy presented in 'The Iliad', particularly through the character of Achilles. This exploration reflects on the balance between achieving greatness and the personal sacrifices that come with it, drawing parallels to modern life and careers.

The speaker mentions reading the Iliad and discusses the choices of Achilles regarding glory and life, reflecting on themes of fame and legacy.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Fans of classic literature and those interested in the philosophy of ambition
Key quote: It's like Achilles had that thing where they were like, you have two options. You can be a short life, but you're the most fucking big dick warrior of all time.
The host references the 'Iliad' to illustrate the dichotomy between a short, glorious life and a long, unremarkable one, as exemplified by Achilles. This comparison serves to reflect on the sacrifices and choices made in pursuit of greatness, particularly in the context of personal ambition and the challenges faced in the entertainment industry.

Speaker says you can go back to the Iliad and read another case where sunk cost fallacy dominated rational decision-making (line mentions reading the Iliad).

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: listeners interested in leadership, decision-making psychology, and lessons from history
Key quote: you can also go back to the Iliad and read another case where sunk cost fallacy dominated rational decision-making and only divine intervention could ultimately lead to a good outcome
The host mentioned The Iliad to illustrate historical examples of leaders committing to escalating, costly decisions driven by pride and sunk-cost thinking. They compare ancient stories to modern corporate and personal decisions to show how repeated wins or ego can lead to illogical, destructive bets.

Alexander regarded the Iliad as a handbook of the art of war and took it with him on his campaign. The copy he had was annotated by Aristotle.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and readers interested in military strategy
Key quote: Alexander regarded the Iliad as a handbook of the art of war and took it with him on his campaign.
The host discusses Alexander the Great's admiration for 'The Iliad' and how he considered it a crucial guide for warfare. This mention serves to highlight the importance of continuous learning and reading, even in the midst of conflict.

Alexander the Great takes the Iliad with him on his great adventure, modeling himself on Achilles.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and students of ancient mythology
Key quote: He takes Iliad with him on his great adventure.
The host discusses the significance of Alexander the Great's story and its connections to Greek mythology, particularly the Iliad. They emphasize how this narrative serves as a gateway to understanding ancient history and the complexities surrounding its historical accounts.

Themistocles argues for building a fleet to make Athens a great power, referencing the Iliad as a rival.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: History enthusiasts and students of ancient Greece
Key quote: But instead, Athens has a great rival, the Iliad.
The host mentions the 'Iliad' in the context of discussing Themistocles' political strategies and ambitions for Athens. It serves as a historical reference to highlight the competitive nature of Greek city-states during that era.

He had a shovel and he had the Iliad in 1871. He found Troy because he believed that the text held clues about the city.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in anthropology and literature
Key quote: He had a shovel. And he had the Iliad in 1871.
The host discusses how classic literature, particularly the 'Iliad', can reveal deep anthropological truths about human nature. They highlight how Heinrich Schleierman used the 'Iliad' to successfully find the lost city of Troy, emphasizing the importance of taking literary texts seriously in understanding human desires.

The excerpt discusses the complexities of characters in the context of the Trojan War, referencing the Iliad and its portrayal of Helen and other figures.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in Greek mythology and literature
Key quote: But actually, there's something quite genuinely noble and remarkable about the fighting, which I never thought I would find.
The host mentions the 'Iliad' to highlight the poetic and profound nature of Homer's depiction of the Trojan War and its characters. This discussion serves to illustrate the transition from myth to history in Stephen Fry's exploration of Greek narratives.

Mikhail Tavaridis mentions that the Iliad is the best book for opening the gates to further interest in mythology and history.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in mythology and heroism
Key quote: I think the Iliad is the best book for opening the gates to further interest in mythology and history, not only of the Greek variety, at least it was for me.
The host mentioned 'The Iliad' while discussing the nature of heroism, contrasting Hector and Achilles. The conversation highlights how Hector embodies noble qualities, making the text a significant reference for understanding heroism in literature.

The excerpt discusses the Iliad, highlighting its unexpected storytelling and the character of Achilles, who spends much time sulking in his tent.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Parents looking for engaging children's literature
Key quote: I'm currently reading my son a... Children's version of the Iliad, which he is loving, actually.
The host mentions reading a children's version of the Iliad to his son, highlighting its appeal to younger audiences. This reference serves to illustrate the ongoing fascination with the story of Troy and its characters.

Historians often use the book, the Iliad, the stories of Homer, as a tool to understand kind of how these weapons, you know, what kind of wounds that they inflicted and how people reacted.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of military history
Key quote: Historians often use the book, the Iliad, the stories of Homer, as a tool to understand kind of how these weapons, you know, what kind of wounds that they inflicted and how people reacted and whatnot because the weapons are the same even if maybe how they used them was different.
The host discusses the psychological impact of ancient battles, referencing 'the Iliad' as a historical tool to understand the brutality of combat. This book provides insights into the experiences of soldiers and the horrors they faced, which are still relevant in understanding warfare today.

The excerpt mentions the Iliad as an example of ancient storytelling that predates written prose history.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: students and enthusiasts of ancient literature and history
Key quote: if you want to get drama and color and stories before the period of Herodotus, you're looking at things like the Iliad by Homer
The host mentions 'the Iliad' to illustrate the transition from oral storytelling to written history. It serves as an example of how ancient narratives were performed for entertainment, contrasting with the more utilitarian writings of later periods.

whose ideas about the glory and romance of warfare goes back to, you know, history before Homer's the Iliad.

Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and students of military history
Key quote: To him war was rejuvenation.
The host mentions 'the Iliad' to illustrate how the glorification of war has historical roots that date back to ancient texts. This reference serves to critique Theodore Roosevelt's romanticized view of warfare, which echoes themes found in Homer's epic.

The excerpt mentions the Mongol's own secret history, comparing it to the Iliad, suggesting a literary style that reflects the emotions of the events.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of history
Key quote: Instead of the Mongol's own secret history to themselves, where, you know, it reads like something home wrote, the Iliad, or the Odyssey, you get to read from the point of view of the victims in the Islamic world.
The host mentions 'The Iliad' to illustrate the importance of multiple viewpoints in historical narratives, particularly regarding the Mongol invasions. By comparing the literary style of 'The Iliad' to the accounts of Islamic historians, the host emphasizes the complexity of interpreting historical events through different cultural lenses.