Homer’s The Iliad and the Funeral Games

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between the two and the death of Patroclos serve as the means to return Achilles to the battlefield, where he can prove his heroism. Once Achilles avenges the death of Patroclos by killing Hector, it is not surprising that he turns his full attention to elaborate funeral preparations for his friend.
In Homer's time, it is theorized that sports were a form of sacrifice. The sacrifice of physical energy or physical exertion seemed fitting during times of sorry and lamentation. The games would be a sort of mini-Olympics.
The funeral games consist of many different games. There was a chariot race, boxing, wrestling, a foot race, armored combat, a pig iron toss, archery and a spear-throwing contest. All these sports allowed the participants to relieve their tensions, their anger and their grief in a more masculine way. It was also skills that they used everyday out of necessity. Hence, in a way, these games reflected on life and celebrated life as it continued around ...

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