There is a perspective to immortality as it is depicted in the two books by homer- the iliade and the odyssey.
Of all the immortals, the royal creatures, called athanaton kukleion, or “immortal dogs,” are peculiar and mysterious.
These beasts which are usually attributed to homer’s domain are present in both poems, posing some profound questions of their identity and function.
What is Athanaton Kukleion Homer?
Athanaton Kukleion Homer according to the works of home, is a symbol represented by the dogs of the underworld.
The subjects of these beings are invariably born with unusual eyes and seem to have otherworldly-like physiques, and they are the living embodiments of death.
As to their specific function many theories are found among scholars, however, they are mostly associated with depictions of death, eternity or the eternal cycle of existence.
They may work as into sealers of the underworld or as a symbol of death.
The Immortal Dogs in the Iliad
Athanaton Kukleion is first mentioned in the Iliad in the underworld scene.
When Achilles, the greatest of Greek warriors, visits the underworld to consult his mother Thetis, he encounters a gruesome sight:
“And there I beheld Peleus my father sitting and company to the silence: for indeed he was an airy spectre for he was gone to the invisible spirit.”
And around him there were spirits of other warriors who had fallen in the thick of the fight and who roamed the plains of the dead.
I perceived the Athanaton Kukleion, the eyes of which were red with hatred, and their shell shining like the Glistering Rosy.
The dogs of the Iliad are said to possess `oulandish eyes’ `as well os ethereal bodies.
They seem to be related to death and Underworld thus could be similar to the guards or messengers of Hades the god of Underworld.
The Glyptic Art and the Immortal Dogs
The Odyssey also refers to the Athanaton Kukleion but in a different way entirely.
When Odysseus visits the underworld to consult the prophet Tiresias, he encounters the same gruesome scene as Achilles:
‘And there I beheld Titans and those sons of Titan who had rebelled against the gods, titans who had killed each other in their battles.’
And amongst them were the everliving dogs, whose eyes shone with seraphic fire and whose bodies seemed to be as if painted in titles of silver and gold.
However, in the odyssey, the protagonist also meets an individual immortal dog that is called Cerberus who is the three headed dog watchman of the underworld.
According to traditional myths, Cerberus has a serpent’s tail and a mane that consists of snakes.
He is known to keep the dead locked in the underworld so that they cannot get out.
The Nature of the Athanaton Kukleion
It is even questionable as to what type of construction the Athanaton Kukleion was.
Others think that they are just an imitation of death and the Underworld.
Some scholars claim they are real inhabitants of the extramundane world or perhaps were demigods or mythical animals made by the gods.
There is a type of vector of death and the immortal dogs can arguably be seen as the continuation of illustrating death as relentless.
They are characterised as having ‘unnatural eyes’ and ‘ethereal body,’ which implies that they do not possess many of the restrictions like any other natural creatures.
They may be seen as a constant presence, a daily, perhaps hourly or minute reminder of death.
A second possibility is that the immortal dogs are themselves related to the idea of immortality.
However humans are mortal while the gods and other super natural powers are immortal.
Of course, the Ptolemaic system’s afterlife may be viewed as part of this eternal life, which the Athanaton Kukleion depicts – or perhaps the monument itself may be viewed as symbolizing this eternal life to indicate that death is not the end for everyone.
The Role of the Athanaton Kukleion
There are opinions about the function of the Athanaton Kukleion in the Homer’s epical poems.
From this they are clearly identified as being connected with death and the underworld but there precise role is somewhat uncertain.
They might inhabit the underworld for instance guarding the dead person from escaping from the underworld.
This is best illustrated by Cerberus who is depicted as the guard of the gates of Hades.
Besides, they can sign the unending process of life and death as if nature is the only permanent value in the world.
In many cultures death is not the end of life but the transition to another realm of life or to another life.
The immortal dogs may symbolize this eternal circle so that people would remember that dying is also living.
FAQ
Q: What are the immortal dogs in Homer’s epic poems
A: These are mystical hounds well known in Homer’s epoch and referred to in both the Iliad and the Odyssey. It is related to death and the underworld.
Q: What is the significance of the immortal dogs?
A: It is however not very clear why there were immortal dogs, according to the diary of the scholar.
Some may regard them as representations of death, eternity or life and death or the cycle of life and death.
Q: What is the role of the immortal dogs in Homer’s epic poems?
A: Some of the other issues include the function of the immortal dogs. They may appear as the world protectors or as the symbols of the aeons of existence.
Key Takeaways
- The immunortal dogs is a much discussed and rather mysterious species that are described by Homer in his epical poems.
- It seems they with death and the underworld.
- There are different opinions about the nature and the role of the immortal dogs among scholars.
- Such may be seen as Europeans’ visions on death, afterlife as well as cyclic eternal circle of life and death.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the interpretation of Homer’s epic poems.
The actual meaning and significance of the immortal dogs may vary depending on individual interpretations.
Rolland is a dedicated writer and storyteller with a passion for exploring diverse themes through his work. With a background in literature and creative writing, Rolland has contributed to various publications, offering insightful perspectives on a wide range of topics.
