Citation

Swinney C. World Neurosurg. 2016; 90: 14-19.

Affiliation

Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery. Electronic address: swinneycc@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.wneu.2016.02.002

PMID

26906897

Abstract

Homer's detailed descriptions of head injuries inflicted during the Trojan War are of particular interest to those in the medical community. While studies have examined the prevalence of such injuries, none have examined the preventative measures taken to avoid them. An in depth review of helmet use in Homer's Iliad was conducted to address this previously unexplored facet of the epic. An English translation of Homer's text was reviewed for all references to helmet use. The number of helmet references in each book was recorded, along with other pertinent details for each reference. A total of 87 helmet references were recorded (40 combat, 47 noncombat). The helmet(s) belonged to a Greek warrior in 41 cases (47.1%), a Trojan warrior in 38 cases (43.6%), a divinity in 5 cases (5.7%), and a general group of warriors in 3 cases (3.4%). Helmet use provided protective benefit to Greek warriors at a rate of 30.0% (3/10) and Trojan warriors at a rate of 11.1% (2/18). This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.23). The overall combined protective benefit of helmet use in the text was 17.9% (5/28). Helmets belonging to 15 specific Greek warriors and 18 specific Trojan warriors were referenced in the text. Helmets belonging to Hector (n=12) and Achilles (n=8) were most frequently mentioned. Helmet use and head injury both play a prominent role in Homer's Iliad. Helmets are frequently utilized in combat settings, but with relatively little success. Helmets are also used in various noncombat settings.

Language: en