Part one of term paper
The shield of Achillles plays a major part in the Illiad. It portrays the story of the Achaeans and their fight against the Trojans in a microcosm of the larger story. Forged by the god Hephaestus, who was a crippled smith, it depicts the two cities and the happenings within , as well as Agamemnon’s kingly estate. To gain insight int ...

Part two of term paper
... skin. He then proceeds to hammer the metals upon his anvil to create a massive shield for Achilles to wield. The shield itself is made of five layers of metal with a triple ply shield strap edging on the rim. On the shield are scenes showing the heavens and earth and sea, two noble cities, a kings estate, fallow fields, a thriving vineyard, a herd of longhorn cattle, and a dancing circle. Once Hephaestus completes the shield, he makes a breastplate and helmet for Achilles. The armor he forges ...