Diomedes, expert in war cries, killed Axylus, / son of Teuthras, a rich man, from well-built Arisbe. / People really loved him, for he lived beside a road / and welcomed all passers-by into his home. / But not one of those men he’d entertained now stood / in front of him, protecting him from wretched death.

Importance
This is an example of the Greek state of mind. Diomedes is continuing his relentless assault on the Trojan army and is killing people know for their good looks, popularity, and high rank. He is showing his lack of value in earthly pleasures because he does not respect his victims' place in their own society. This battle scene is a little long winded, but Homer keeps the reader interested by describing the Trojans' lives before they were killed at the hands of Diomedes. This personality that Home injects into the scene makes the victims more rounded characters instead of just flatly "evil" like one would expect.

Analysis
The phrasing of this quote, especially the last two lines, seems almost sarcastic, which maybe shows Homer's own views on the huge parties that the ancients were known for throwing. Even the Achaeans, with whom we're supposed to sympathize, did not spare an expense for the entertainment of their guests, but Homer's tone shows so much disdain that it cannot be ignored. He is making a comment on the uselessness of fairweather or superficial friends, because although they will come to your parties and drink your wine and bring you gifts, they are meaningless because they would not come to your side when you are about to die.

Outside Reading Post 5

...[Diomedes] threw his spear. Athena guided it / straight to Pandarus' nose, directly by the eyes. / It smashed through his white teeth. The tireless bronze / sliced through his tongue at the root, coming out his chin, / right at the tip...

Importance
This quote exemplifies the role of the gods in mythological Greek life. They do not let the mortals be and let the chips fall where they may, but instead get fully involved in the affairs of man, even going so far as to influence the outcome of battles and wars. This is a theme that is used throughout the book and explains some of the more outlandish acts of the Greeks because they believe they have no role in their own fate.

Analysis
This quote, in addition to showing how gods interfered with earthly affairs, shows the violence of Greek culture. Diomedes, a hero of the Achaean army, violently kills a member of the opposing force. This, I assume, was meant to highlight the achievements of Diomedes as a skilled warrior, but to my 21st century eyes, it seemed a little like overkill and a little too brutal for me to completely respect Diomedes as a soldier. The description of the Trojan's teeth as "white" shows the disrespect for vanity that Diomedes had. Pandarus, who maybe took great care in keeping his teeth white, was now dead where white teeth didn't matter. This is a mirror of the battle between Agamemnon and Paris; Agamemnon was a soldier who had no value for his appearance, while Paris was a foolish boy who had nothing but his good looks.

Outside Reading Post 4

Next Diomedes killed two sons of Dardan Priam / careening on in a single car, Echemmon and Chromius / As a lion charges cattle, calves, and heifers / browsing the deep glades and snaps their necks, so Tydides pitched them both from the chariot, / gave them a mauling--gave them little choice-- / quickly stripped their gear and passed their team / to his men to lash back to the ships.

Importance
This shows the ruthlessness of the Achaean army. Diomedes is so bloodthirsty and eager to prove himself that he does not care about the people he is killing. This shows a turning point in the Trojan War. Previously, the two armies were basically tied and neither was winning, but now the strength of Diomedes represents how the Greeks are now pulling ahead of the Trojans. Because of this, we know that the war will be over soon and the Greeks will be the victors.

Analysis
Homer specifically mentions the lives of soldiers that are being killed. He talks about their family members and who their fathers were, and this ads a note of personality to them. Instead of being anonymous dead Trojans, readers are made the feel sympathy and compassion toward them. This is interesting because one would think that Homer would strive to make the Trojans seem like evil people but the humanity that he gives them adds realism to the scene.