Iliad by Homer

 

The Iliad is an epic poem written down in Homeric Greek, a literary mixture of the Ionic Greek and other dialects, probably around the late 8^th or early 7^th century BC. One of the foremost achievements in Western literature, Homer’s Iliad is a part of an extended mythology around the legendary Trojan war that tells the story of the Greeks and the Trojans fought for ten years. Its center is Achilles, the greatest warrior champion of the Greeks, and his Conflicts with his leader, Agamemnon. Agamemnon has captured a woman named Chryseis during his siege against the other towns around Troy. Chryseis’ father is a priest of Apollo, who begs Agamemnon to return his daughter. When Agamemnon refuses, the priest prays to Apollo, who, in turn, unleashes havoc on the Greek armies in the form of plagues.

Achilles is so enraged with Agamemnon’s stupidity and failure to realize how he has doomed his armies over Chryseis that Athena must stop Achilles from killing Agamemnon. Finally, Achilles convinces Agamemnon to return the girl. However, Achilles must, in return, give Agamemnon Briseis, the woman he has taken for himself. Achilles agrees, but decides that he will no longer fight for Agamemnon.

Love and friendship, revenge, war and mortality,  fate and free will, and honor are the main themes of Homer’s The Iliad. All three themes follow Achilles and the other main characters of the epic poem. We see how Achilles ‘friendship with Patroclus and his hunger for honor guide much, which leads to both his and Hector’s demises.

Major Characters:

    Achilles:

Achilles is the protagonist of the Iliad. The story centers on his rage and anger against Agamemnon.

 Hector:

The eldest Prince of Troy and heir to the throne. Hector is a brave warrior and a thoughtful leader. He is also a devoted husband and father, and he is very concerned for the survival of Troy.

 Zeus:

The king of gods, Zeus’s power greatly exceeds his fellow immortals. The fate of the war is changed when Zeus promises This that he will give glory to Achilles by turning the war …

 Agamemnon:

Agamemnon was the king of Mycenae and leader of the Achaean armies. Agamemnon is the wealthiest of all of the Achaean kings and also commands the largest army. However, his leadership can be questionable at times

 Hera:

Hera is Zeus’s wife and queen of the gods. After Paris doesn’t select her as being the most beautiful goddess. Hera had a passionate hatred of Troy. She conspires to destroy the city.

 Thetis:

Thetis is Achilles’s mother, a sea-nymph. Thetis cares greatly for her mortal son and is determined to fulfill his wishes before he dies.

 Paris:

Paris is the Trojan Prince, and he is the son of Priam and brother of Hector.

 Minor Characters:

 Patroclus:

 Achilles’s constant companion and brother in arms. He is known for his compassion and good sense. When the Trojan begins to attack the Achaean ships, Patroclus puts on Achilles and fights the Trojans in Achilles’s place.

Priam:

Priam is the king of Troy. Priam is an old man now, but once was a skillful fighter.

Apollo:

The golden archer, God of prophecy and music.

Athena: The goddess of wisdom.