The Iliad Summary
Homer

Everything you need to understand or teach Iliad by Homer.

The Iliad Summary & Study Guide
38 Student Essay
2 Encyclopedia Article
27 Literature Criticism
1 Book Note
...and more

30 The Iliad Lessons
20 Activities
180 Multiple Choice Questions
60 Short Essay Questions
20 Essay Questions
Pre-Made Tests and Quizzes
...and more

The Iliad Summary

The Background of the Story

The goddess Eris (Discord) was not invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis (Achilles' parents), so in revenge she threw a golden apple inscribed "for the fairest" into the banquet hall, knowing it would cause trouble. All the goddesses present claimed it for themselves, but the choice came down to three—Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera. They asked Zeus to make the final decision, but he wisely refused.

Instead, Zeus sent them to Mount Ida, where the handsome youth Paris was tending his father's flocks. Priam had sent the prince away from Troy because of a prophecy that Paris would one day bring doom to the city. Each of the three goddesses offers Paris a bribe If he will name her the fairest: Hera promises to make him lord of Europe and Asia; Athena promises to make him a great military leader and let him rampage all over Greece;... View more of the The Iliad Summary

Study Pack

The The Iliad Study Pack contains about 1,169 pages of study material in 72 products, including:

Iliad Study Guide

FREE Quiz

Characters

Themes

Style

Criticism

Topics for Further Study

Compare & Contrast

What Do I Read Next?

Sources for Further Study

Encyclopedia Articles (2)

Iliad - Homer - 750 B.c.

7,145 words, approx. 24 pages

Iliad - Homer - 750 B.c. The cover of a recent translation of the Iliad (published by Hackett in 1997) features a black-and-white photograph of the 1944 D-Day landing at Normandy, as seen from the poi... Read more

Iliad

3,759 words, approx. 13 pages

Iliad by Homer The Greek poet Homer is credited with composing the Iliad, although the authorship of the epic remains uncertain. It is believed that Homer probably lived in the eighth century B.C. ... Read more

Homer Biography (3)

Homer

8,939 words, approx. 30 pages

Biography EssayHomer is the name that has come down through the centuries as the author of the two earliest surviving poetic works of ancient Greece, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Yet, nothing is secur... Read more

Homer

2,165 words, approx. 8 pages

Homer, the major figure in ancient Greek literature, has been universally acclaimed as the greatest poet of classical antiquity. The Iliad and the Odyssey, two long epic poems surviving in a surprisin... Read more

Homer

8,807 words, approx. 30 pages

Homer is the name that has come down through the centuries as the author of the two earliest surviving poetic works of ancient Greece, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Yet nothing is securely known about th... Read more

Essays & Analysis (65)

Critical Essay by John A. Scott

2,281 words, approx. 8 pages

In the following essay, Scott describes the Iliad as a poem about wrath and warfare and focuses on quotations from the poem that display Homer's skill at evoking emotions and profound ideas. Th... Read more

Critical Essay by C. M. Bowra

9,064 words, approx. 31 pages

In the following essay, Bowra explores the dramatic quality of the Homeric epics, maintaining that although it "arises from action, it often goes beyond it and touches on the character of the a... Read more

Critical Essay by Martin Mueller

8,155 words, approx. 28 pages

In the following excerpt, Mueller discusses ways in which individual warriors are represented fighting, dying or exulting over the bodies of their enemies in the Iliad. [My purpose in this essay] is t... Read more

Critical Essay by Henry Staten

8,846 words, approx. 30 pages

In the following essay, Staten examines the feud between Achilles and Agamemnon in the Iliad and explores the socioeconomic importance of war booty, vengeance, and mourning in the poem. "Approp... Read more

Critical Essay by Maria C. Pantelia

2,833 words, approx. 10 pages

In the following essay, Pantelia determines the function of spinning and weaving for different female characters in the Iliad and the Odyssey. Spinning and weaving have traditionally been considered t... Read more

Critical Essay by Mabel L. Lang

7,503 words, approx. 26 pages

In the following essay, Lang probes the interaction between the Iliad and external mythological stories of Greek gods and heroes, concluding that this relationship implies a process of “ongoing... Read more

Critical Essay by R. M. Frazer

13,832 words, approx. 47 pages

In the following excerpt from his study of the Iliad, Frazer investigates the work's narrative structure and parallelism, the character of Achilles, pro-Achaean bias, representation of the Olym... Read more

Critical Essay by James V. Morrison

7,919 words, approx. 27 pages

In the following essay, Morrison stresses the thematic significance of role reversal in the middle portion of the Iliad, in which the Greek camp is depicted as a city under Trojan siege. In the centra... Read more

Critical Essay by Kevin Crotty

8,355 words, approx. 28 pages

In the following excerpt, Crotty illustrates the pivotal shift in Achilles's character achieved by Priam's supplication of the hero in Book 24 of the Iliad. I No act of supplication in t... Read more

Critical Essay by Michael Clarke

9,597 words, approx. 32 pages

In the following essay, Clarke follows the implications of Homer's beast similes in the Iliad, highlighting their contribution to the poem's theme of extreme heroism that culminates in s... Read more

Critical Essay by Michael Naas

6,738 words, approx. 23 pages

In the following essay, Naas appraises the concepts of valor, shame, honor, and supplication as they relate to community relations that mediate between the Self and the Other in the Iliad. In a societ... Read more

Critical Essay by P. V. Jones

8,422 words, approx. 29 pages

In the following essay, Jones analyzes the balance between human and divine responsibility in the Iliad, describing Homer's narrative treatment of the gods and fate vis-à-vis the mortal ... Read more

Critical Essay by Robert J. Rabel

4,697 words, approx. 16 pages

In the following excerpt, Rabel differentiates between the author of the Iliad and the epic's narrator, commenting on shifting modes of perception in the poem, particularly in relation to its t... Read more

Critical Essay by Bruce Heiden

3,629 words, approx. 13 pages

In the following essay, Heiden emphasizes Homer's comparison of the supplicating Priam to a murderer seeking refuge as the thematically definitive moment in the Iliad. Homer elaborates “... Read more

Critical Essay by Herman L. Sinaiko

8,109 words, approx. 28 pages

In the following excerpt, Sinaiko details the status of the Iliad as oral poetry, documents the nature of its epithets and similes, and outlines its depiction of Achilles as “the first and grea... Read more

Critical Essay by Mary Ebbott

7,048 words, approx. 24 pages

In the following essay, Ebbott interprets Helen's character in the Iliad as the epic personification of blame and of the consequences of righteous indignation. When Aphrodite tells Helen to go ... Read more

Critical Essay by Martin Mueller

9,557 words, approx. 32 pages

In the following excerpt, Mueller analyzes the plot of the Iliad in the context of the poem's central figures, Achilles and Hector, and the warrior code they depict. The Embassy The encounter o... Read more

Critical Essay by Sophie Mills

7,682 words, approx. 26 pages

In the following essay, Mills concentrates on extended similes that recall scenes of parental or mutual care in the Iliad—particularly those associated with Achilles and Patroclus—as the... Read more

Critical Essay by A. Maria Van Erp Taalman Kip

6,671 words, approx. 23 pages

In the following essay, Taalman Kip maintains that providing the Olympian Gods with an interpolated morality is not consistent with Homer's presentation of the human condition in the Iliad. Eve... Read more

Critical Essay by A. Lardinois

8,894 words, approx. 30 pages

In the following essay, Lardinois considers the characteristic use of gnomai (or wisdom-sayings similar to proverbs) by Achilles, Nestor, Odysseus, and the gods in the Iliad. Characterization in Homer... Read more

Critical Essay by Pietro Pucci

6,187 words, approx. 21 pages

In the following essay, originally published in Italian in 1985, Pucci elucidates Athena's appearance to Achilles at Iliad 1.194ff, examining the manner in which Homer presents the revelation o... Read more

Critical Essay by Ronald Knox and Joseph Russo

3,988 words, approx. 14 pages

In the following essay, Knox and Russo argue for the cogency of Agamemnon's deception of his own troops in Book 2 of the Iliad, despite its unintended failure. πϱω̑&... Read more

Critical Essay by Bernard Knox

8,038 words, approx. 27 pages

In the following essay, Knox studies the thematic course of the Iliad embodied by Achilles, observing that the hero traces a path from “godlike self-absorption” driven by honor and rage ... Read more

Critical Essay by David A. Traill

2,620 words, approx. 9 pages

In the following essay, Traill contends that Homer does not allow the Trojan hero Hector the full glory he deserves in the Iliad, and instead presents him in a less favorable manner than lesser Greek ... Read more

Critical Essay by Laura M. Slatkin

9,037 words, approx. 31 pages

In the following excerpt, Slatkin concentrates on the integral role of Thetis in the development of themes of mortality, protection, and the discovery of identity in the Iliad. In a key passage in Boo... Read more

Critical Essay by James V. Morrison

10,601 words, approx. 36 pages

In the following essay, Morrison discusses narrative misdirection brought about by prophesies and threats in the Iliad. This [essay] examines thematic misdirection, which is brought about by false aut... Read more

Critical Essay by Oliver Taplin

10,040 words, approx. 34 pages

In the following excerpt, Taplin examines broad ethical issues in the Iliad and the epic's narrative form, focusing specifically on temporality, and the guilt of Helen and Paris. 3.1 Before the... Read more

Iliad - War of Troy Show Futility of War

1,897 words, approx. 7 pages

Intro The Iliad is basically a story of rages of Achilles and the War of Troy. Thanks to the techniques of the author, Homer, The Iliad is very colorful, romantic, and it makes the readers imagine ... Read more

Voice of Conscious - the Lame Thersites

712 words, approx. 3 pages

Amidst the turmoil of a dragging war, Agamemnon's unjust capture of a young female stirs anger within the Gods to wreak havoc in the Greek army, further exacerbating the chaotic situation. Outraged b... Read more

The Relationships of Fate, the Gods, and Man in "The Iliad"

2,007 words, approx. 7 pages

One of the most compelling topics The Iliad raises is that of the intricate affiliations between fate, man and the gods. Many events related by Homer in his epic poem exhibit how these three connect... Read more

How to Be Human 101: an Analysis of the Character of Achilles in Homer's "The Illiad"

2,041 words, approx. 7 pages

For centuries now, the character of Achilleus, the great Achaean warrior, has been a subject of major debate among those studying Homer's classic epic The Iliad. Ironically, though there is very littl... Read more

"The Iliad" and the Pursuit of Honor and Glory

1,332 words, approx. 5 pages

The Iliad, which is an epic poem written about the Trojan War, was the first thing written in the European tradition. Astonishingly, its quality and appeal have yet to be surpassed. This is a result... Read more

Funeral Games in the Iliad

2,016 words, approx. 7 pages

Coming towards the end of a war which has consumed an entire decade and laid waste the lives of many, the Greek warriors in Troy choose to take the time and energy to hold funeral games. This se... Read more

Male Relationships in the Iliad

1,509 words, approx. 6 pages

The most significant relationship in Homer's Iliad is the friendship between Achilles and Patroclus. Other male relationships play major roles in the epic and can be directly related to that of Achill... Read more

Classic Literary Heroes in The Iliad

985 words, approx. 4 pages

Literary heroes have been important to stories and poems throughout history. Each author develops his hero through a unique writing style, combining conscious use of detail, diction, tone and othe... Read more

The Iliad: Translation of the Work by Homer

737 words, approx. 3 pages

Often material which is studied about the ancient civilizations is in a language which students cannot understand. To overcome this problem people translate the written material into a language which... Read more

What Defines a True Hero in The Iliad

772 words, approx. 3 pages

In Homer's The Iliad, Homer shows his views on heroes, villains, and war. He shows that heroes have great qualities to them and that villains have evil qualities to them. He also shows that even heroe... Read more

Forgive and Forget

1,141 words, approx. 4 pages

The rage that first overtook Achilles in the Iliad eventually subsides to compromise with his king, reconciliation with his enemies, and complete acceptance of his fate. The quarrel that incites Achi... Read more

The Tragedy of Love

1,102 words, approx. 4 pages

."..a very fair damsel come running, naked, through a thicket all thronged with underwood and briers, towards the place where he was, weeping and crying sore for mercy and all disheveled and torn by ... Read more

Translations of Homer's "Iliad"

865 words, approx. 3 pages

From the four translations of Homer's Iliad that I have read, I can now determine what is a good or bad translation. What I believe is most important for a good translation of an epic is that it shoul... Read more

Men's and Women's Functions in "The Iliad"

839 words, approx. 3 pages

In The Iliad there is a vivid portrayal of the lives of men and women, and a very clear distinction between their functions in the ancient world. From the very first book, we quick... Read more

The Theme of Divine Intervention in Homer's Illiad

1,219 words, approx. 5 pages

The Theme of Divine Intervention in the Iliad In the annals of classical literature, especially in works of tragedy and poetry, the gods intervene at the end of the work to resolve the main con... Read more

Achilleus Charcterization - From Book 1 of The Illiad

597 words, approx. 2 pages

The Iliad Book 1 / Achilleus characterization Achilleus: Son of Peleus, a mortal king, and the sea-goddess Thetis. The best warrior among the Achaians; leader of the Myrmidons. Other names: Peledis o... Read more

Achilles Shield

1,041 words, approx. 4 pages

As long as there is thought there will always be debate as to the relevance and applications of any figure that has potential symbolism deeper than its appearance. We see it with the Bible, with its ... Read more

How Closely Do Agamemnon, Achilles and Hector Relate to Each Otehr as Classical Heros

2,089 words, approx. 7 pages

As you are about to see the classical role of a hero is made up of many parts. These include Aidos (respect for others), Kleos (glory), Timé (honour), Leadership, and Aristeiae (Killing sprees). ... Read more

"the Wrath of Achilles"

1,906 words, approx. 7 pages

Heroism can have many faces, but in time of Ancient Greece, the time of Homer, a specific code existed. This code was unquestionable and no contradictions in hero's behavior were an option in that era... Read more

The Iliad: Understanding Achilles

1,100 words, approx. 4 pages

In Homer's The Iliad, we find the greatest, bravest, and most revered warrior of ancient times. Achilles was the son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidones in Phtia, and Thetis, a sea-nymph. As the lege... Read more

The Iliad

912 words, approx. 4 pages

All characters in the Iliad (with one exception Calchas) have shied away from the truth because it hurts. As Plato said, "And if he is compelled to look straight at the light, will he not have pain in... Read more

Achilles and Patroclus

316 words, approx. 2 pages

Achilles was born of the goddess Thetis but also of a mortal man named Peleus. Because he was a god/mortal hybrid he was immortal except in his heel and was therefore immune to mortal pain. However ... Read more

The Iliad: Achilles' Rage

1,377 words, approx. 5 pages

`Rage--Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles' The first line of the Iliad describes a human emotion that leads to doom and destruction in Homer's poetic tale of the Trojan War. A... Read more

Forgive and Forget

620 words, approx. 3 pages

For my essay, I have chosen to write on `We should forgive and forget'. I am convinced that the statement would read better as `we may forgive but should never forget'. According to the Webster's di... Read more

The Good in Achilles

1,474 words, approx. 5 pages

Achilles was in search for glory. He wanted his name to last throughout the centuries. And his prayers to the mighty Olympus gods were answered. The evidence is that we strangers to him and to his wor... Read more

The Illiad - Achilles and Hector

679 words, approx. 3 pages

`So saying, he poised his long-shadowing spear and hurled it.' The start of the `Dual between Achilles and Hector' in Homer's Iliad. This essay shows the large mythical content of this segment in the ... Read more

A Greek Heroe, Achilles or Diomedes?

1,420 words, approx. 5 pages

In the story The Iliad by Homer many of the characters can qualify as the Greek definition of a hero. Some of the rules of Greek heroism that must be displayed are ones such as one must be subject to... Read more

Concluding Homer's Iliad

895 words, approx. 3 pages

The last three books of The Iliad provide three different endings, but together they work to present a more encompassing conclusion than any one of these books provides alone. Book XXII and XXIV disc... Read more

The Portrayal of Women in the Iliad

830 words, approx. 3 pages

"So please go home and tend to your own tasks, / the distaff and the loom, and keep the women / working hard as well" (6.585-587). From this we see Hector's view of women, which is a theme that is ech... Read more

The Role of Hecton in "The Iliad"

935 words, approx. 4 pages

As Hector flees Achilles in Book XXII of The Iliad, one of the places he passes is the well spring of the river Scamander, the source of agricultural wealth for the city and the namesake of Hector's s... Read more

How Are the Characters and Personality Presented in Book One of the Lliad

875 words, approx. 3 pages

In The Iliad, we can tell from the beginning a strong sense of favouritism from Homer towards Achilles. The opening scene is set in the tenth year of the Trojan War. From the first line, we read Hom... Read more

The Implied Metaphysics of "bitterness" in Homer's Iliad

1,085 words, approx. 4 pages

Homer's Iliad is replete with "bitterness," a term employed for its absolutist depictions of the ferocity and prolonged spite of ancient Greek warriors. The weight of this term is made apparent in th... Read more

Writings on The Trojan War

1,064 words, approx. 4 pages

There are a variety of written sources that suggest that the Trojan War did in fact occur. Homer presents details of the Trojan war in his epic poem The Iliad, this poem presents many of the ideas tha... Read more

The Iliad

4,918 words, approx. 17 pages

The Iliad is not about the Trojan War; that war lasted ten years and the central actions of the poem occupy only a few weeks. War brutalizes men and women, wounds their bodies and minds, enslaves and ... Read more

Fate and Free Will in Books 19-21 of "The Iliad"

1,325 words, approx. 5 pages

Many people believe fate controls the course of their lives. However, others believe that it is through one's own actions during their life that determines their destiny and in some cases their demis... Read more

The Heroic and Tragic Character of Achilles in "The Illiad"

751 words, approx. 3 pages

The half-immortal known as Achilles is the central character, and most powerful warrior of Homer's The Iliad. He was born from the union of a mortal king Peleus and the immortal goddess Thetis; and he... Read more

Women in the Iliad

784 words, approx. 3 pages

Critical Review Essay Women In the Iliad The role of women in the Iliad is a subject that remains open to debate. Lefkowitz, in her article The Heroic Women of Greek Epic, argues that without the ... Read more

The Role of Fate in The Illiad

605 words, approx. 3 pages

" Rage--Goddess, sing the range of Peleus' son Achilles, murderous, doomed, that cost the Achaeans countless losses, hurling down to the house of death so many sturdy souls, great fighters' souls... Read more

Free Book Notes (1)

The Iliad

29,793 words, approx. 100 pages

The Iliad Book Notes is a free study guide on The Iliad by Homer. Browse the summary below: Author Biography / Context of the Work One-Page Plot Summary Character Descriptio... Read more

Download the Study Pack