The Iliad can provide new insights on the role of motherhood among the ancient Greek gods, and by extension, amongst ancient mortal Greek women themselves. Very much like the lyrics of the famous Paul Simon song, Mother and Child Reunion (1972), Achilles calling out for his mother Thetis was only “ a motion away” in The Iliad. Yet, the backdrop to that “ strange and mournful day,” begins with the goddess Thetis’ marriage to her mortal husband Peleus, and her devotion to her demi-god son Achilles. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"101830","attributes":{"alt":"Nereid half reclining on the back of a seahorse, fresco from Pompeii (CC0)","class":"media-image","style":"width: 610px; height: 458px;","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]] Nereid half reclining on the back of a seahorse, fresco from Pompeii ( CC0 ) Thetis the Runaway
