Similarities Between Hebrew Bible And The Iliad

The concepts of death and divinity are seemingly viewed in different lights when comparing The Hebrew Bible and The Iliad, but are actually similar in their fundamental ideologies. A “good death” in The Hebrew Bible results in one’s soul going to heaven. The Hebrew Bible puts emphasis on how one can make it to heaven while one is alive, meaning that where one’s soul goes is determined by how righteously they lived their own life. This means that the outlook on death greatly varies between the texts, because death is seen as something positive that one works towards over the course of their brief time on earth in The Hebrew Bible. Conversely, a “good death” in The Iliad results in one’s essence becoming immortal through the legacy they leave

In order to live a righteous mortal life, one must follow the ten commandments “...written with the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18) that were given directly to Moses on Mount Sinai. They act as absolute laws that must be followed in order for one to obtain entrance into heaven after death. In Proverbs 3:1-2 it is stated, “1My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you”. These verses support the idea that obedience to God’s commandments is required in order for one to be gifted entry into heaven. The “abundant welfare” is the reward after death, or the entry into the ideal afterlife. This concept is also seen in Proverbs 11:3-4 when it says, “3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. 4Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death”. The idea that righteousness during life reaps benefits during afterlife is mentioned to highlight the idea that even if it seems like those who do not follow God’s commandments are benefitting during their mortal lives, they will not benefit in the afterlife. These verses remind God’s followers that they have to keep faith in Him while they are alive,

For this reason, the ancient Greeks believed that it was very important to give a deceased loved one of a proper burial. If a proper burial was not performed, the soul of the person would be doomed to walk the land of the living for eternity. An example of this is seen when Patroclus’ fellow warriors fought to retrieve his body for Achilles after he was killed by Zeus and Hector, because they knew that Achilles loved Patroclus like a brother. Atrides yelled, “Ajax! Hurry, my friend, this way--fight for dead Patroclus! At least we could bring his body back to Achilles,” (446). This shows that even during active battle, the Greeks emphasized the importance of properly caring for the corpse of a loved one. This concept is also seen in how Thetis treats Patroclus’ body upon Achilles receiving it. It is stated, “With that she … then instilled in Patroclus’ nostrils fresh ambrosia, blood-red nectar too, to make his flesh stand firm” (489). Thetis does this in order to maintain the state of the body until proper a burial and funeral can take place. The death of Patroclus is an example of someone living recklessly in order to leave behind a favorable legacy for themselves. When Achilles agreed to give his armor to Patroclus