Analysis of Iliad's Book 21 Quote:
"Look here, Earthshaker: you could not call me a sane god if I were really to fight you for the sake of mortal men."

Earthshaker meaning Poseidon.
Apollo is saying Look here, Earthshaker:

Question

Analysis of Iliad's Book 21 Quote:
"Look here, Earthshaker: you could not call me a sane god if I were really to fight you for the sake of mortal men."

Earthshaker meaning Poseidon.
Apollo is saying Look here, Earthshaker:

anonymous · Answer

Break it down then make a claim. Figure out what the author may have meant at face value, then go further.

"Earthshaker" Draws from nature and paints a negative image.
"You could not call me a sane god"  could be equated to "I'd be crazy if I did that"

"If I were really to fight you for the sake of mortal men" Obviously the character speaking this thinks badly of humanity, and in this portion is saying that most of the causes that "mortal men" fight for are insignificant to a "god". Therefore, he'd be crazy to partake in it. Gods are immortal, and see more than mortal men and deem themselves superior.


With that knowledge, stake a claim in your analysis. Why is that character saying that? What purpose does he do it, and what does he gain?

peeinmybooty · Answer

so then i guess it would be that Poseidon challenges Apollo, but the younger god does not accept his uncle's dare because of difference to his age.