The Iliad

Summary

The Iliad by Homer is an ancient Greek epic that narrates the events of several weeks during the final year of the Trojan War, with the central focus on the wrath of the Achaean hero Achilles and its consequences. The epic describes Achilles' grievance against the Achaean king Agamemnon for taking away his captive Briseis, leading to Achilles' refusal to participate in battle. This quarrel triggers a series of tragic events, including the death of Achilles' friend Patroclus and ultimately the demise of the Trojan hero Hector, killed by Achilles in revenge for his friend's death. The epic explores themes of anger, revenge, honor, and heroism, as well as divine intervention in human affairs, illustrating how the gods of Olympus influence the course of the war and the fates of the heroes.