The Iliad

The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer. It is set near the end of the Trojan War, during its final weeks. Achilles, the Greeks' greatest warrior, quarrels with King Agamemnon and withdraws from battle. The poem follows his anger, the wider fighting, and his meeting with Troy's champion Hector, whose death is central. Gods shape events, while themes include glory, pride, fate, wrath, love, loyalty, courage, and loss. It also shows ancient warfare, tactics, and equipment.

Why You Should Read?

• Discover the anger of Achilles as he refuses to fight for Agamemnon.
• Follow the Trojan War's final weeks as gods shape the course of events.
• Meet Hector, Troy's champion, and trace his fate through the poem's final weeks.
• Explore themes such as glory, pride, fate, wrath, love, loyalty, courage, and loss.

About the Author

Homer was an ancient Greek poet, possibly born around the 8th century BC. People long named him as writer of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Ancient Greek society respected him greatly, and many view him among history's most important authors. His identity and existence are still argued. Scholars usually think different writers made the two poems. The poems used Homeric Greek, or Epic Greek, mixing Ionic and Aeolic dialect traits from several centuries, mostly Eastern Ionic. Most researchers think they first passed by mouth. They shaped ancient Greek culture and learning, supporting heroism, glory, and honor.