Cause of the War:
- The Trojan War began due to the abduction of Helen, the beautiful wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, by Paris, a prince of Troy. The Greeks considered this act an offense against their honor and sought to reclaim Helen through warfare.
Setting:
- The poem primarily focuses on the events that took place during the siege of Troy. The city of Troy is portrayed as a wealthy and well-fortified settlement with King Priam as its ruler.
Protagonists and Antagonists:
- The Greek forces are led by King Agamemnon of Mycenae. Among the prominent Greek warriors are Achilles, Odysseus, Ajax, and Diomedes.
- On the Trojan side, Hector emerges as the principal hero and the protector of Troy. Other crucial Trojan figures include King Priam, Queen Hecuba, and Prince Paris.
Epic Battles and Heroes:
- "The Iliad" describes fierce battles between the Greeks and Trojans outside the walls of Troy. The poem details heroic deeds, individual duels, and dramatic turning points in the conflict.
- The central focus of the narrative revolves around Achilles, often considered the "wrathful hero." After Agamemnon dishonors him, Achilles withdraws from active combat, which proves disastrous for the Greeks until Patroclus, his beloved friend, is killed by Hector. Achilles then rejoins the fight to avenge Patroclus.
Divine Intervention:
- Greek and Trojan warriors believe in and seek the favor of their respective gods. Gods such as Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Apollo, and Aphrodite play instrumental roles by interfering in the battles and influencing the outcomes.
Thematic Elements:
- "The Iliad" explores central themes like heroism, fate, death, glory, loyalty, and divine intervention.
Through "The Iliad," Homer presents a vivid account of the Trojan War, intertwining it with tales of individual heroism, gods' impact on human affairs, and the profound implications of human choices.