Sure, the Bronze Age is all about raids and small-group engagements. But it's notable still that he goes off on a night attack (okay, I looked it up--- Book 10) with Diomedes. A lot of the leaders are all about inspiring their men by fighting the opposing leader in plain view; Odysseus sneaks off and kills men in the dark.
As I recall, Harald at Hastings is supposed to have set up a shield wall on the top of a hill, and he lost when so many of the housecarls were killed that the formation fell apart. I don't think the Iliad envisions this kind of formation fighting. I guess what I don't understand is whether that's because the poet wasn't familiar with it, or because he didn't think it was very heroic and is describing a warrior culture that's archaic even for him. Perhaps someone else on here will know?
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Date: 2025-03-30 01:12 am (UTC)As I recall, Harald at Hastings is supposed to have set up a shield wall on the top of a hill, and he lost when so many of the housecarls were killed that the formation fell apart. I don't think the Iliad envisions this kind of formation fighting. I guess what I don't understand is whether that's because the poet wasn't familiar with it, or because he didn't think it was very heroic and is describing a warrior culture that's archaic even for him. Perhaps someone else on here will know?