Positive Traits:
* Beauty and Charm: Aphrodite is undeniably beautiful and possesses a powerful charm that influences both gods and mortals. Her beauty is described as irresistible and divine.
* Passion and Love: She is the goddess of love, beauty, and desire, and embodies these qualities. She encourages passion and romantic love, and her presence often ignites conflict and drama.
* Protective of her Favourites: While often fickle, Aphrodite shows loyalty to those she favors, like Paris and Aeneas. She intervenes to protect them from harm, demonstrating a sense of protectiveness.
Negative Traits:
* Fickle and Unreliable: Aphrodite's affections are easily swayed and she often acts out of self-interest. She changes sides readily and is prone to betraying those she has previously supported.
* Manipulative and Deceitful: To achieve her goals, Aphrodite often resorts to deception and manipulation, often playing on the emotions of others. This can be seen in her role in the Trojan War, where she orchestrates events to favor Paris.
* Self-Absorbed and Superficial: Aphrodite is obsessed with her own beauty and enjoys the admiration of others. She prioritizes appearances and pleasure over deeper concerns.
* Naive and Impulsive: Aphrodite is often driven by her emotions and lacks foresight. She acts impulsively, failing to consider the long-term consequences of her actions.
Overall, Aphrodite in The Iliad is a complex and controversial figure. She represents both the alluring power of love and beauty, as well as the potential for its destructive consequences. Her characterization highlights the complexities of human desire and the potential for manipulation and deceit.