Outline of Homer’s The Iliad

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Introduction

The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem written by Homer, and it is one of the greatest works of world literature.
The poem is set during the Trojan War, a legendary war between the Greeks (Achaeans) and the Trojans (the ancient city of Troy, which was located in what is now modern-day Turkey).
However, it does not tell the whole story of the war—it focuses mainly on a short period during the final year of the war and especially on the wrath of Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior.

The Quarrel Between Achilles and Agamemnon

The story begins when Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army, takes a Trojan girl named Chryseis as a war prize.
Her father, a priest of Apollo, asks for her return, but Agamemnon refuses. As a result, Apollo sends a plague upon the Greek camp.
To stop the plague, Agamemnon agrees to return Chryseis but demands another prize—Briseis, who was the beloved of Achilles.
Achilles is furious at this insult and withdraws from the war, refusing to fight for the Greeks any longer.
He also asks his mother, the sea-goddess Thetis, to make the Greeks suffer in battle so they will regret insulting him.

The Trojans Gain the Upper Hand

With Achilles gone, the Greek army becomes weaker.
The Trojans, led by Hector—the noble and brave son of King Priam—begin to win many battles.
The Greeks try to get Achilles to return by offering gifts, but he refuses out of pride and anger.

The Death of Patroclus

Achilles’ closest friend and companion, Patroclus, is deeply concerned about the Greeks.
He puts on Achilles’ armour and goes into battle to help the Greeks, pretending to be Achilles.
Patroclus fights bravely but is eventually killed by Hector. This is a turning point in the story.

Achilles Returns to Battle

When Achilles hears of Patroclus’ death, he is filled with sorrow and rage. He decides to return to battle to take revenge.
His mother, Thetis, gives him a new set of divine armour made by the god Hephaestus (/ hɪˈfiːstəs /).
Achilles enters the battlefield and kills many Trojans. In a fierce one-on-one fight, he finally kills Hector.
Then, in a cruel act of revenge, he ties Hector’s body to his chariot and drags it around the walls of Troy, which shocks even the gods.

King Priam’s Plea

In one of the most touching moments of the poem, King Priam, Hector’s father, secretly enters the Greek camp and begs Achilles to return the body of his son.
He appeals to Achilles’ sense of pity and reminds him of his own father.
Achilles is deeply moved by Priam’s grief. He finally lets go of his anger, returns Hector’s body, and allows the Trojans time to mourn and hold a funeral.

The Ending

The Iliad ends with the funeral of Hector.
It does not describe the fall of Troy (which happens later in other stories).
The poem closes on a note of sorrow, humanity, and reflection, showing both the glory and the tragedy of war.

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