Why does Homer refer to Agamemnons story in book eleven of “The Odyssey,” starting at line 436?
ophelious Teacher Vocational eNotes Editor Homer brings up the story of Agamemnon while Odysseus is visiting Hades as a way to add a bit of foreshadowing to the story, or a way to build up some suspense. First, remember that Agamemnon was one of the mack-daddies of the ancient world, comparable to Odysseus himself. Yet, look what becomes of even this great hero: “As soon as he had tasted the blood he knew me, and weeping bitterly stretched out his arms towards me to embrace me; but he had no strength nor substance any more, and I too wept and pitied him as I beheld him.” He’s just another shade among shadows. Without that little taste of blood, he wouldn’t have even been able to recognize Odysseus. Partly, seeing Agamemnon is a way to humble Odysseus and show him the fate that awaits even great heroes. More than that, though, is the substance of what Agamemnon has to say about his demise. His wife and her evil boyfriend Aegisthus have set a trap for him: “He asked me to his house, feas
