Ancient Romans, Greeks, and other ancient cultures relied heavily upon the supernatural. They lived their lives in this way. It was common for them to consult Oracles about their futures. They also performed various rituals to increase luck. However, they mostly turned to the twelve Olympians gods in search of guidance, assistance or vengeance. The battlefield is the only place where someone would need to be guided, assisted, or seek vengeance. This is also evident in Homer’s Iliad.
Early in this story, we learn the importance that ancient Greeks placed on omens. In Book 8, Hera the goddess who represents marriage gives encouragement and motivation to Agamemnon. Agamemnon then gathers his army to fight on. Agamemnon asks Zeus for help and bows before him. Zeus gives Agamemnon encouragement by sending an eagle. The Achaean troops are boosted by the eagle, and begin to fight bravely again. It is clear that not all believed in omens. In the last chapter of Book 12, Hector the Trojan and Polydamas his young commander try to charge the Grecian wall. They see a similar omen. The eagle is forced to release its grip when the snake bites it. Polydamas interprets it as a sign the Trojans will not succeed in their attack. Hector, who is a brave and determined warrior, does not listen to the warning of his subordinate. He loudly declares: “Fight For Your Country — That Is The Best Omen!” He pushes back the Trojans and the Achaean retaining wall is barely intact. Zeus has a complex plan, and we readers know it, but men on the Trojan frontline don’t. Soldiers are practically doomed, to be on the lookout for any omens from their gods. But interpreting which omens they receive can be difficult.
The eagle is a symbol of how gods can send men signs that will determine their destiny. Hector’s refusal to accept the omen reveals his character, bravery and poor decision-making. In Greek and Roman civilisations, the most definite sign of gods’ support is an eagle. It informs soldiers of Zeus’s presence. Hector ignores it, and the consequences are severe. Although he believes that men must defend their country despite what is commonly accepted, it won’t save him. Hector, with newfound boldness and fully-prepared reinforcements by his side, advances the Trojans again in the following book. Hector is teased by the great Ajax, and another eagle soars over the Achaeans. They welcome this as a good omen. Hector’s “loose speech” is sneered at by Ajax, and he tells him to perish with all the Greeks. Hector’s steadfast desire to defeat Achaeans displays his sheer strength and his commitment to protecting Troy. Zeus shows that he can’t control the gods.
Zeus’ messenger goddess Iris sends Priam to Troy and tells him that he is to travel to the Achaean fleets alone in order to retrieve Hector. He is assured that Achilles is not going to kill him. His wife Hecuba tries convincing him that the journey is reckless. Hecuba wants Priam only to ask for a Zeus’s sign before he goes, which Priam does. Zeus responds with an eagle. Priam is escorted out of the city by his driver. The gods sent Priam on his own to ransom Hector’s body. They wanted to create a scenario that would bring together the most virulent murderer and the father of those who were killed. The gods literally predetermined this event by sending the heralded bird, just as they do with every other event that coincides with its appearance.