Outline of Homer’s The Iliad

1. Outline of Homer’s The Iliad

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.