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 Homer instructing a muse to sing of Achilles anger and resentment.

`Sing, Goddess, of the anger of Achilleus'

Homer creates a powerful introduction, describing fierce and almost gruesome scenes, `making their bodies the prey to dogs and birds' feasting.' Although the introduction is quite harsh and disturbing, it creates an atmosphere which continues throughout the whole chapter, this emphasises Achilles anger.

Homer refers to Agamemnon as the `Lord of men' whereas he refers to Achilles as `Godlike'. Agamemnon is only a lord through inheritance, he will never be godlike or of any importance after he is dead. Whereas he describes Achilles as Godlike, a god amongst men. Achilles' mother is...