- 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.