Primary source: Homer's Iliad

Homer’s Iliad proves to be a powerful primary source to analyze old age in Ancient Greece because of the characters Nestor, the aging King of Pylos, and Odysseus, the most talented commander serving the Achaian army. Though his days of heroism are behind him, Nestor still acts as a counselor for Agamemnon, the commander-in-chief of the Achaian army that is trying to overtake Troy. Odysseus’ role as an advisor also propels the notion that wisdom is desirable, particularly when he settles disputes between Achilles and Agamemnon, who both are egotistical and quick to fight.

While these characters are featured in Book 1, their wisdom begins to come into fruition in Book 2. Homer describes how Zeus implanted a false dream to make Agamemnon believes that Nestor supported a full-force attack. Agamemnon did not take this message lightly. After all, he relies on Nestor’s invaluable worldly wisdom, though his advice doesn’t always lead to the best results. Skeptical of his own army, Agememnon decides to test their will be announcing that they will be returning to Greece. To his disappointment, they enthusiastically return to the ships to head home. At this point, Agememnon realizes that he misjudged the low morale in his troops, but luckily, Odysseus reinvigorates the troops’ desire to defeat the Trojans – something that would not have been possible to do if it wasn’t for Odysseus’ experience in war.

Nestor is also known for his longwinded advice. Later on in the book, he coaches his son, saying:

“Somebody else who trusts in his horses and chariot keeps on

thoughtlessly swerving about, far off to one side and the other;

over the course of his horses are roaming, nor does he control them.

He who is skilled in his craft, though rose are the steeds he is driving,

always eyeing the post, wheels close to it, never forgetting

how at the start with the oxhide reins to keep taut the two horses, rather he steadily holds them and watches the man who is leading.” (Homer, 23.319-325)

With this, it’s evident that years of observation have led Nestor to believe what he believes, and perhaps these also reflect Homer’s intuitions of life.

Homer. The Iliad. Trans. M.S. Silk. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1987. Print.