Divine Favor

Definition

Divine favor refers to the blessings and support bestowed by deities upon individuals or groups, often influencing their success or outcomes in various endeavors. In literature, particularly in epic narratives, divine favor can manifest through direct interventions from gods, shaping the fates of characters and events. This concept highlights the interplay between the divine and human agency, as characters seek and respond to the favor of gods while also exercising their free will.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In The Iliad, characters such as Achilles and Hector receive divine favor that significantly impacts their fates and actions throughout the narrative.
2. The gods in The Iliad often intervene in battle on behalf of their favored mortals, showing how divine favor can shift the tide of conflict.
3. Divine favor is not guaranteed; even esteemed heroes can fall out of favor with the gods due to their actions or hubris.
4. Characters actively seek divine favor through rituals, sacrifices, and prayers, reflecting their understanding of the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the gods.
5. The tension between divine favor and human agency is a central theme in The Iliad, showcasing how characters navigate their desires while contending with the will of the gods.

Review Questions

• How does divine favor influence the decisions made by characters in The Iliad?
  • Divine favor heavily influences character decisions in The Iliad as characters often consult or appeal to the gods for guidance before making crucial choices. For example, Achilles seeks support from Thetis, his divine mother, to sway Zeus in his favor after feeling dishonored. This dependence on divine approval shows how intertwined human actions are with divine will, shaping not only individual choices but also the overall direction of the narrative.
• Evaluate the consequences faced by characters who lose divine favor in The Iliad.
  • Characters who lose divine favor in The Iliad often face dire consequences, such as defeat in battle or personal tragedy. For instance, Agamemnon's clash with Achilles leads to a loss of Achilles' support, which severely weakens the Greek forces against Troy. This loss highlights how vital divine approval is for success; without it, even powerful leaders can fall into despair and defeat. It illustrates that maintaining good relations with the gods is essential for glory and victory.
• Assess how the theme of divine favor reflects larger ideas about fate and free will within The Iliad.
  • The theme of divine favor in The Iliad intricately weaves together concepts of fate and free will. While characters are often portrayed as making choices based on their desires and agency, these decisions are frequently influenced or even dictated by the whims of the gods. This dynamic creates a complex relationship where human actions can seem both significant and constrained by divine intervention. Ultimately, it raises questions about whether true agency exists when one's fate is believed to be orchestrated by higher powers.

Related terms

Divine Intervention: Divine intervention involves direct action taken by a deity to influence human affairs, often seen in the form of miracles or guidance that alters the course of events.

Kleos: Kleos is a Greek term meaning 'glory' or 'fame,' often gained through heroic deeds and sometimes associated with the approval or favor of the gods.

Human Agency: Human agency refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently and make choices, which can be influenced by divine favor but is not wholly determined by it.