Thanks for those insights HarryT.
I especially noticed the frequent use of “swift-footed” while so many Trojans were referred to as “breakers of horses” and wonder what was up with that?
Reflecting on earlier comments that the Trojans seem to me much nicer people and more sympathetic characters I agree. Especially after completing book 6. When Hektor's wife tells him of her fears that Hektor will be killed if he returns to the combat and he in turn tells her that he has similar fears, but feels he must to defend the homes and lives of all in Troy it is very touching.
Contrast that with the scene also from Book 6 where Menelaos has captured the Trojan Adrestos in combat and Adrestos begs Menelaos not to kill him but to return him to his father's home in exchange for a great ransom. Menelaos is persuaded to do this but then Agamemnon approaches saying:
Quote:
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“Dear brother, o Menelaos, are you concerned so tenderly with these people? Did you in your house get the best of treatment from the Trojans? (Presumably referring to the abduction of Helen by Paris?) No, let not one of them go free of sudden death and our hands; not the young man child that the mother carries still in her body, not even he, but let all of Ilion's people perish, utterly blotted out and unmourned for.”
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Menelaos and Agamemnon then kill Adrestos. The Trojans certainly do seem more sympathetic when they are just fighting to protect their homes and families, including all women and children, while the Achaian's are an all male invading army intent on wiping the entire Trojan people from the face of the Earth. And this for a grievance that has not really been well developed as yet.