Lecture on The Iliad

Overview

• The Iliad is a lengthy epic poem attributed to Homer, more than 600 pages long.
• Originally passed down through oral tradition.
• Contains hundreds of named characters, but key figures are highlighted.

Key Characters

• Trojan Side: Hector, Paris, Helen.
• Greek Side: Achilles, Patroclus, Odysseus, Agamemnon, Diomedes, Ajax the Greater, Ajax the Lesser.

Historical Context

• Troy was originally called Ilias, hence the name "The Iliad." Translates to "Troy Story."

Book Summaries

Book 1

• Nine years into the Trojan War.
• Agamemnon angers Achilles by refusing to return Chryseis to her father, a priest of Apollo.
• This results in Apollo sending plagues to the Greek army.
• Achilles withdraws from battle, sulking in his tent.

Book 2

• Zeus deceives Agamemnon with a dream, urging him to attack Troy.
• Hector is also prompted to attack by Zeus.

Book 3

• Features a list narrated by Helen.
• Menelaus challenges Paris to a duel. Aphrodite intervenes to save Paris.

Book 4

• The gods favor chaos over peace. Athena reignites the war.

Book 5

• Focus on Diomedes, a powerful Greek hero.
• Athena empowers him and he injures Aphrodite.
• Diomedes also engages with Ares.

Book 6

• Hector is asked to get the women of Troy to pray to Athena.

Book 7

• Hector duels with Great Ajax.

Book 8

• The Greeks begin losing; the tide of battle turns.

Book 9

• Agamemnon considers retreat but sends Ajax and Odysseus to persuade Achilles to return.
• Achilles refuses.

Book 10

• Diomedes and Odysseus go on a stealth mission into the Trojan camp.

Book 11

• Agamemnon shines in battle, but Greeks begin to falter.
• Achilles remains uninvolved.

Book 12

• Zeus aids the Trojans, pushing Greeks back.

Book 13

• Poseidon helps the Greeks.

Book 14

• Hera distracts Zeus, allowing Greeks to gain advantage.

Book 15

• Zeus returns focus to aiding Trojans.

Book 16

• Patroclus enters battle in Achilles' armor but is killed by Hector.

Book 17

• Greeks fight to defend Patroclus' body.

Book 18

• Achilles learns of Patroclus' death, vows revenge.
• Hephaestus crafts new armor for Achilles.

Book 19

• Achilles dons the new armor.

Book 20

• Achilles devastates Trojan forces.

Book 21

• Achilles battles a river and various distractions.

Book 22

• Achilles kills Hector after a chase around Troy.

Book 23

• Greeks hold funeral games for Patroclus.

Conclusion

• The story ends with the death of Hector and the funeral of Patroclus.
• Achilles is eventually killed by Paris.