For a longer commentary on this passage, see “Even Zeus Suffers…” on Painful Signs Homer, Iliad 16.431-461 “As the son of crooked-minded Kronos was watching them, he felt pity And he addressed Hera, his sister and wife: “Shit. Look, it is fate for the man most dear to me, Sarpedon, To be overcome by Patroklos, […]
Zeus’ Pity and Tears of Blood
Next time someone calls you a fool worshipping the ancient Gods because They “don’t care about humanity”, remember the fact that Zeus once cried tears of blood for His son Sarpedon.
Hail Father Zeus!
The Stone Pillar 
this is one of the most profound moments in the Illiad. (the other, for me, is when Achilles asks Zeus to grant Patrokles glory and bring him back safely and Homer writes, “Zeus heard his prayer and answered half of it.”). I believe that the Gods choose to bind Themselves to the very architecture of creation that They Themselves created. Any breach of that and sacral contracts fracture and creation itself is at risk. Athena warns Zeus of this. It’s a powerful, powerful moment. Anyone who thinks our Gods don’t care, doesn’t know Them.
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