ENGL22051ELBV181E
Instructor: Professor Goetz
September 9, 2018
Iliad Books V-VIII
Book V, Question II
What sort of death wound did Pandarus (Trojan, son of Lykaon) receive from Diomedes? Why
was this particular wound especially appropriate? (l. 276-296) What about the appropriateness
of the wound Diomedes gives to Aphrodite (lady of Kypros)? (l. 327 ff.)
As the battle rages, Pandarus wounds Diomedes, whom is an Achean war hero. Diomedes prays
to the goddess, Athena for revenge and she obliges, but warns him not to challenge any of the
other gods except Aphrodite. Back in battle, Diomedes comes head on with Pandarus and
Pandarus’ friend/battle partner, Aineias (Aeneas). Pandarus throws the spear at Diomedes and
believe he was struck. When Diomedes shows them that he missed, it was at that point
Diomedes threw his own spear and Pallas Athene (Athena) guided the weapon straight toward
Pandarus’ nose through his face where he was then killed. Diomedes then finds a boulder size
rock, and with super human strength, throws it on Aineias hip, crushing and killing him.
