The Iliad
Also known as: Song of Ilium, Song of Ilion
"the ideals of heroism, the power of storytelling, and the human struggle for personal growth and self-discovery."
Summary
The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of the Trojan War. It follows the hero Achilles as he joins the Trojan War and eventually becomes consumed by his own pride and rage. The poem explores themes of honor, glory, fate, and the brutality of war. It is filled with vivid battle scenes, complex characters, and the intervention of various gods and goddesses who influence the outcome of the war. Ultimately, The Iliad serves as a timeless portrayal of the human condition and the consequences of unchecked emotions.
Themes
Major Characters
Notable Quotes
"Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus’ son Achilles…"
Book 1, Line 1
"Let me die at once… since it was not my fate to save my dearest comrade."
Book 18
"I have endured what no man on earth has ever done before — I put to my lips the hands of the man who killed my son."
Book 24
Notable Translations
First complete English version, Renaissance style.
Heroic couplets, highly influential.
Faithful, scholarly line-by-line translation.
Poetic, accessible.
Popular modern verse translation.
First major translation by a woman, highly praised.