The Iliad by Homer (Translated by Samuel Butler)

Book 1: The Quarrel Between Agamemnon and Achilles

Overview

• Achilles, son of Peleus, withdraws from the Trojan War due to a quarrel with Agamemnon.
• Thetis, Achilles' mother, asks Jove (Zeus) to favor the Trojans.
• Conflict arises on Olympus between Jove and Juno.

The Quarrel's Origin

• Apollo, angry with Agamemnon, sends a plague to the Achaeans.
• Crisis, a priest of Apollo, offers a ransom for his daughter, but Agamemnon refuses.

Achilles and Agamemnon Clash

• Agamemnon dishonors Crisis, provoking Apollo's wrath.
• Achilles calls an assembly, suggesting finding a priest or prophet to appease Apollo.
• Calchas, a seer, reveals Agamemnon's dishonor as the cause of the plague.
• Agamemnon demands another prize if he returns Crisis' daughter, leading to conflict with Achilles.

Achilles' Withdrawal

• Achilles refuses to fight for Agamemnon after being dishonored.
• Agamemnon threatens to take Achilles' prize, Briseis.
• Achilles contemplates violence but is stopped by Minerva.
• Achilles vows not to fight until Agamemnon apologizes and honors him properly.

Thetis Intercedes with Jove

• Achilles laments his fate to his mother, Thetis.
• Thetis promises to plead with Jove to favor the Trojans.

Apollo's Wrath and Sacrifices

• Apollo's plague continues until Crisis is returned and sacrifices are made.
• Ulysses leads the mission to return Crisis and make offerings to Apollo.

Divine Intervention and Counsel

• Achilles prays to Thetis for help.
• Thetis visits Jove to request assistance for the Trojans.
• Jove and Juno argue over divine intervention.

Aftermath

• Hephaestus (Vulcan) tries to calm Juno to prevent further discord.
• The gods feast, and the conflict temporarily subsides.

Themes

• Honor and pride as driving forces of conflict.
• Divine influence on mortal affairs.
• The role of prophecy and sacrifice in appeasing gods.

Key Characters

• Achilles: Greatest Achaean warrior, son of Peleus, prone to anger.
• Agamemnon: King of Men, leader of the Achaeans, stubborn and prideful.
• Thetis: Sea goddess, mother of Achilles, advocate for her son.
• Apollo: God inciting the plague as retribution against Agamemnon.
• Calchas: Seer who reveals the cause of the plague.
• Jove (Zeus): King of the gods, swayed by Thetis to favor the Trojans.
• Juno (Hera): Queen of the gods, frequently contending with Jove.
• Minerva (Athena): Goddess of wisdom, intervenes to prevent violence.

Important Locations

• Olympus: Home of the gods, where divine decisions impact mortal affairs.
• Achaean Camp: Base of the Greek forces besieging Troy.
• Crisis' Altar: Site of sacrifice to appease Apollo.