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The Iliad by Homer

The Iliad, attributed to the Greek poet Homer, is an epic poem set during the Trojan War, focusing on the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon. It features key characters such as Achilles, Agamemnon, and various gods from Greek mythology, highlighting their roles and relationships. The narrative begins with Achilles' anger and explores themes of pride, honor, and the influence of divine beings in human affairs.

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14 views22 pages

The Iliad by Homer

The Iliad, attributed to the Greek poet Homer, is an epic poem set during the Trojan War, focusing on the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon. It features key characters such as Achilles, Agamemnon, and various gods from Greek mythology, highlighting their roles and relationships. The narrative begins with Achilles' anger and explores themes of pride, honor, and the influence of divine beings in human affairs.

Uploaded by

The Frozen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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WELCOME TO

The Iliad by Homer


• Homer, Greek poet who is regarded as
the author of both the Iliad and the
Odyssey

Probably born in the 8th c BC


Genre- Epic
Both the epics deal with the Trojan war
(13thc BC
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ILIAD
Trojan war fought between the Greeks, referred to as ‘Achaeans’ by Homer in
the text, against the city of Troy when a married Helen is seduced by prince
Paris of Troy.
Lasted for ten years which Homer explains through 24 books.
Important warriors and characters
• GODS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Greek mythology begins from CHAOS- a sense of
nothingness, out of which Eros, the God of love, creates
the foundation of the universe.
Mount Olympus was the seat of the Greek Gods. 12 in
number, obviously superior to the humans but were not
completely bereft of weaknesses and impulses
MAJOR EVENTS IN BOOK I THE ANGER OF ACHILLEUS

“Sing, goddess, of •This an epic device. It is called an invocation to the muse through which the epic poet requests divine

the anger of inspiration. Also, this in medias res.


•Establishes the focal point of this epic as Achilles’ anger as well as an introduction to the involvement of
the gods. Note the grand style and tone.

Achilleus”

“son of Atreus •The war is at its tenth year. Agamemnon and Achilles have ransacked a Trojan city and captured two
war prizes, Chryseis and Briseis, respectively. Chryses requests for his daughter’s release and is insulted by

had dishonoured Agamemnon and he prays to Apollo who decides to punish the Greeks.
•Achilles, investigates the reason behind the sudden plaque only to later request Agamemnon to release
her. This leads to a quarrel between them when Agamemnon asks for Briseis as a compensation

Chryses”

“oh my child,
what did I rear
•Achilles is enraged upon Agamemnon carrying away Briseis
•Thetis, Achilles’ mother arrives promising to seek Zeus’ help in defeating the Greeks and calm her son’s
hurt pride

you for…”
MAJOR EVENTS IN BOOK II THE CATALOGUE OF SHIPS

a false dream inspiring Goddess Athena A detailed account of

CATALOGUE
Odysseus arrives
Zeus’ deception

Agamemnon to inspires Odysseus to lift the Greek warriors and


attack the Trojans. He the spirit of the their Trojan
wants to test the
morale of his army but
Achaeans and
reminds them of counterparts .
is surprised by their former events at Aulis
reluctance.
THE ACHEANS
ACHILLES(son of
Peleus and Patroclus- devoted Nestor- oldest
Thetis, most
powerful warrior,
to Achilles but also Achaean
proud and
commands the
to the Achaean commander, injects
myrmidons) cause wisdom
Agamemnon(brot Odysseus( fine
her of Menelaus warrior and one of
and leader of the the most
Achaean army, memorable
often reckless) characters)

Menelaus(king of the
Calchas- soothsayer
Spartan army, who identifies the
husband to Helen but Idomeneus
not a very charismatic
warrior)
reason behind the
Great Ajax(
plaque
Diomedes(
Second to Achilles
youngest warrior,
in terms of
bold and takes
strength, his mighty
over after Achilles’
stature proves to
departure)
be of great aid)

Little Ajax( not as


huge as great Ajax
but very swift)
Phoenix
THE TROJANS

PRIAM(KING OF TROY and father


to Hector and Paris, benevolent
and aware of Helen’s beauty
leading to a bloody battle) Polydamas(Trojan warrior and
wiser than Hector)
Hector(brother
Paris(
of Paris,
involvement
Glaucas
exceptional
with Helen Aeneas
warrior,
causes the (mighty warrior
husband to
mighty rift, not and son of
Andromache
very Aphrodite)
Agenor
and not quite
passionate as
at terms with
a warrior)
Paris)
dolon
ZEUS
Husband to Hera, king of the Gods and supports the
Trojans after promising to help the Trojans.
HERA
Queen of the Gods. Strong-willed and hates the Trojans
Athena
Zeus’ daughter and Goddess of wisdom and battle. She
hates the Trojans
THETIS
Mother of Achilles and a sea nymph
Apollo
Son of Zeus and brother to Artemis. Supports the Trojans.
Aphrodite
Daughter of Zeus and Goddess of Love. Ardent
supporter of Paris and the Trojans
POSEIDON
Brother of Zeus and god of the sea. Supports the
Acheans
HEPHAESTUS
Husband to Aphrodite and God of fire. Supports the
acheans
ARTEMIS
Daughter of Zeus and goddess of hunting. Supports the
trojans
ARES
God of war and lover of Aphrodite. Supports the Trojans
HERMES
Messenger of the Gods
IRIS
ZEUS’ messenger
THE END

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