'Iliad of Homer' Summary

The Iliad, traditionally attributed to Homer, tells the story of the Trojan War through the lens of the rage of Achilles. After Agamemnon, the Greek king, takes Achilles' prized captive, Briseis, Achilles withdraws from the battle, leaving the Greeks vulnerable. The poem follows the devastating consequences of Achilles' absence, including the death of his close friend, Patroclus. Driven by grief and vengeance, Achilles returns to the battlefield and ultimately kills Hector, the Trojan hero. The Iliad explores the complex emotions of war, the consequences of pride and anger, and the enduring power of fate. It culminates in Achilles' acceptance of Hector's burial rites, marking a turning point in the narrative of the Trojan War.