s situation. In book 5 of the Iliad Diomedes does something quite extrodinary, he engages the gods in battle. During the heat of battle, Athena comes to Diomedes and bestows on him the ability to see the gods. When Diomedes tries to kill Aenaes, he is robbed of success by Aphrodite, who takes Aenaes away. This action cause Diomedes to attack Aphrodite! Diomedes succeeds in wounding Aphrodite, but his actions brings Apollo, who warns ..Give way! Do not aspire to be equal of the Gods. The immortals are not made of men that walk on the ground! (Iliad, book 5, line 440). Apollos warning simply states that mortals should not aspire to be equals to the gods. Diomedes actions had placed him above other heroes and mortals, as for a brief moment he is greater than the gods. This is a unique situation because most mortals who attempt this face utter destruction.. The gods are appalled that a mere mortal would dare attack one of them. Diomedes ignores the warning of Apollo, and continues with his attack on the gods. Diomedes rage has him take on the war god himself! Apollo begs Ares to stop him, and his words show something unusual for a god, fear. .. That daredevil Diomedes, hed fight Father Zeus! Hes just assulted Love, he stabbed her wrist- like some superhuman, he even charged me! (Homer, Iliad, book 5, lines 527-529). Ares fails at this, and is defeated by Diomedes, creating something unusual. Diomedes did more than equal the gods, he was their greater in combat. This type of conflict brings out a true hero in that by fighting the gods, Diomedes proved greater than them, something mortals should not be able to do. This type of interaction is rare, and tells much about the Greeks view of the Gods when they interfere. Diomedes attacks on the Gods is remarkable in that he is a hero not because the Gods help him, but because he dares to do the impossible.. How does the example of Diomedes fit in with the other divine interactions? With all of ...
