The Triumph of Achilles

The Iliad by Homer (circa 800 BCE)

This Greek narrative epic poem is the inspiration for “The Triumph of Achilles.” The most relevant sections are the Death of Patroclus (Books 16-18) and the Rage of Achilles (Books 19-24). Gluck also includes symbols from earlier in the poem, such as the catalog of Greek ships in Book 2.

“The Triumph of Fame” by Francesco Petrarch (1351)

This is a part of Petrarch’s Trionfi, or Triumphs. The triumphs that Petrarch writes about are processionals that began in ancient Rome. Victors would be pulled in horse-drawn carts, surrounded by people. The Triumph of Fame follows the Triumph of Death, to indicate that fame can allow one to live beyond death. Petrarch writes, “ Yet now my thoughts to foreign heroes turned: / To Hannibal, and then to Achilles, sung / In verse that gave to him immense renown” (Part II, Lines 7-9). Achilles’s renown means his name is known after he has died. Gluck’s poem reflects on the human part of Achilles dying, not his immortal fame. Petrarch including the Triumph of Time after the Triumph of Fame develops this point. Time can cause people to forget the names of famous heroes.