Book 5 of The Iliad

[Kris]

This thread is for discussion of Book 5 of The Iliad.

[W.D.]

So they seem to be particularly interested in stripping the dead of their armour -- any idea as to why? They've got their own on already, so, what is the advantage? It is not like they can sell it on eBay!

[Tamara]

I think it's because it is considered one of the spoils of war. You get to keep the enemy's armor along with his other possessions, including his women. It was viewed as a demonstration of your manhood.

[Sue]

And they are looking at the horses they can win too.

[Ilse]

The translation I am reading explains that the robbery of the armour was for the winner the crowning of his victory, for the defeated one last humiliation. Hence the many recounts in which the comrades of the dead try to prevent such. So perhaps not only looting but also part of psychological warfare?

[Tamara]

Ilse wrote: "So perhaps not only looting but also part of psychological warfare?.."

Good point.
The kidnap and rape of women was also part of psychological warfare. Its purpose was to humiliate men (i.e. you're not "man" enough to protect your woman) and to traumatize the women.

Unfortunately, that part of psychological warfare is still doing a thriving business today in parts of the world where conflict rages and where a woman's body is viewed as part of the battlefield.