Paralleling numerous references to lions in the Iliad is The Lion's Gate of Agamemnon's Mycenae.
After ten long years, we Achaians finally succeeded in subjugating Troy, razing the city to the ground and dividing the plunder. For my part I received an abundance of wealth; gold and slaves, and—as befitting a conquering king—the Trojan king's daughter, Cassandra, for my concubine. My Tіμη level is soaring. I could have stayed away longer with the other men—many ripe lands along the way to plunder—but I want to get back home to enjoy the adoration of my people for this successful campaign. I miss my wife and family too; I need to reinstate my power and make sure things are going smoothly with my estate and possessions. I don't think Clytemnestra ever got over me killing her husband and baby; I want to see what she's been up to all this time; also, I want to impress upon Cassandra what a mighty and powerful leader I am.
My Newest Possession, Cassandra - Ajax and Cassandra by Solomon Joseph Solomon, 1886
The trip back to Mycenae was uneventful, except for getting blown off our path for a short time. I was showered with accolades by the people, and even Clytemnestra seems happy to see me...that is, until she saw my newest concubine. If I didn't know better, I'd say she was plotting something. My friends seemed to want to tell me something, but I was so involved with the homecoming celebration and reacquainting with my wife, that I just set that uncomfortable feeling aside for the time being; but something definitely wasn't right. I'll deal with it soon.
Death of Agamemnon, Aegisthos with sword. Detail from Athenian red-figure clay vase about 500-450 BC.
Red Clay Vase as above.
Agamemnon's life, loves, and death at the hand of his wife and cousin seem diametric to Odysseus' experiences. Agamemnon's own strong will always seemed to clash with others, while Odysseus was more likely to want to work things out. Agamemnon's women always wanted someone else, while the lovers of Odysseus yearned for him. Agamemnon got to go home after the Trojan war and got killed by those who plotted against him, while Odysseus didn't get to go home for a long time, but when he did, he plotted to kill those who would do his family harm. Agamemnon is dead; Odysseus lives happily ever after.
The Funeral Procession of Agamemnon
Louis-Jean Desprez - 1787
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Louis-Jean_Desprez_-_The_Funeral_Procession_of_Agamemnon.jpg
www.stanford.edu
Louis-Jean Desprez - 1787
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Louis-Jean_Desprez_-_The_Funeral_Procession_of_Agamemnon.jpg
Agamemnon does finally get revenge through the actions of his son, Orestes. Banished, like his father had been as a young man, he finally returns seven years after the murder and kills his mother and her lover, Aegisthus. Unlike Odysseus, and his mildly-perilous trials, Agamemnon faced serious hazards and tribulations throughout his life, up until his untimely death. One might, therefore, be a little less critical in their judgement of Agamemnon, who had to fight both men and gods to first gain and, then, retain the kingship of Mycenae through the respect of his people.
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