fleeting glory

Can kleos die? This concept of glory/honor intrigues me. It was obviously such a large part of Greek culture… but did kleos die when a person did? Obviously they had stories that carried on their name, but the stories only captured a mere glimpse of that glory. It was in a person’s way of walking and how people responded to them and their strength in battle that were the indicators of kleos. People could make up stories, but everyone took notice when Achilles walked into the room. So what happened when he died? When Oysseus visits Achilles in Hades, Achilles makes the puzzling statement that “I would rather follow the plow as thrall to another man, one with no land allotted him and not much to live on, than be a king over all the perished dead” (Book 11, lines 490-1). This does not match up with the Achilles of The Iliad. He would never want to be subject or slave to another. But maybe Achilles realizes that death levels the playing field. Regardless of how much glory they had in life, once they were dead it no longer mattered. They are all stuck in Hades with no way out and no way to “gain glory.” There are no wars to fight or obstacles to overcome… there is simply… nothing. Perhaps being a farmer is better than Hades for Achilles because at least if he’s alive he has potential to become more and gain glory rather than the nothingness of death. All the glory he attained in his life does him no good in death because it brings him no power. Meanwhile, the only remnants of kleos he left in the land of the living are the songs and stories of his bravery …and his son. I think that is why it’s significant that Achilles so eagerly asked about his son- through the life of his son the name of Achilles would live on, as would the kleos. Odysseus told of the fame of Neoptolemos and Achilles left happy because his son had fame and favor. Even in the underworld this theme of glory is so important.

Do we see remnants of that in our own culture? Kleos and having glory in death… Legacy, maybe? Everyone wants to be remembered for something, but why is it so important if it’s something fleeting that will end when death comes? Maybe that’s why so many are searching for something meaningful to live and die for… and the answer is before us- Jesus. Only His glory lasts forever, so by contributing to that you are living and working for something that will never fade, falter, or die out. I wonder…is there another Greek word for kleos that is bigger than ourselves?

p.s. commented on Tinsley's "Odysseus the devious wretch...just like the gods?"