Fate is defined as the principle or determining cause by which events are believed to happen as they do. In the provisional world of heroes, fate is often the adverse outcome of mortals’ exploits. Examining Homeric fate demonstrates the divine influence destiny plays in the Iliad. Mortals are subject to their fate and the gods who enforce them. Mortals choose their own path, but fate directs their steps. Only death is inevitable.
This pertains to the importance of ‘kleos’ or glory, especially in battle. ‘But now, as it is, the fate of death awaits us, thousands ready to strike, and not a man alive can flee them or escape – so we go for attack! Give our enemy glory or win it for ourselves!’ (12. 378-381) The passage attests that the mortal has little control over his future. The ideal of the Homeric soldier is to win status, so he may be well spoken of even after his physical death. Fate preestablishes each man’s legacy and downfall according to its choosing.
The gods do not have the same standards as the mortals and therefor are not ultimately bound by the strong force of fate. However, in the timeless existence of the gods, fate acts as an unofficial connecting force between the diverse and ever-fluctuating wills of the gods. The gods often intervene in mortal’s lives but limit themselves to the will of fate. The gods usually enact the will of fate, because of their lust for praise and temporary satisfaction. ”My cruel fate… my Sarpedon, the man I love the most, my own son-doomed to die at the hands of Menoetius’ son Patroclus.
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My heart is torn in two as I try to weigh all of this. Shall I pluck him up, now, while he’s still alive… Or heat him down at Patroclus’ hand at last?” ‘… A man, a mere mortal, his doom sealed long ago? You’d set him free from all the pains of death? Do as you please Zeus… but none of the deathless gods will ever praise you.”’ (16.515-519, 524-527) Zeus, king of the gods, denies his passion to save his son, Sarpedon, because he fears the discreditation of the other gods for contradicting the will of fate.The position of free will merely complicates the preordained position.
The mortal chooses the way fate will fall upon himself. Key events are caused by fate and free will together. ‘If only he had obeyed Achilles’ strict command he might have escaped his doom, the stark night of death, but the will of Zeus will always overpower the will of men.’ (16.803-805) The passage establishes that Patroclus chose battle and ignored Achilles’ ordinance. Patroclus was doomed to die by the Trojans onslaught; Zeus executed fate’s will against Patroclus’. ”Then let me die at once’ -Achilles burst out despairing-‘since it was not my fate to save my dearest comrade from his death!’ Achilles has a dual fate.
In the passage Achilles chooses a warrior’s short, agonized life. Achilles knew that in order to be successful, he must act with fate. Choosing a soldier’s fate was the only way to avenge Patroclus’ death.In the world of Homer, fate acts as a binding force, giving the poem order and direction. Troy is fated to fall, and the heroes are destined to die. The reader witnesses the unravelment of the preordained and decisions one contributes to the story. Fate weaves the stories of many to a grand picture.
