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113 Iliad Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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The Iliad, written by the ancient Greek poet Homer, is one of the most famous and influential works of literature in history. This epic poem tells the story of the Trojan War, a conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans, and explores themes such as honor, glory, fate, and the power of the gods.

If you are studying The Iliad and need inspiration for essay topics, look no further. Here are 113 Iliad essay topic ideas and examples to help you get started:

• Compare and contrast the characters of Achilles and Hector.
• Analyze the role of women in The Iliad, focusing on characters like Helen, Andromache, and Briseis.
• Discuss the theme of fate in The Iliad and how it influences the actions of the characters.
• Explore the relationship between gods and mortals in The Iliad.
• How does Homer portray the concept of heroism in The Iliad?
• Analyze the character of Agamemnon and his role in the Trojan War.
• Discuss the significance of the shield of Achilles in The Iliad.
• How does the theme of honor drive the actions of the characters in The Iliad?
• Explore the role of prophecy and divination in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Patroclus and his relationship with Achilles.
• Discuss the role of the river god Scamander in The Iliad.
• Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Agamemnon and Achilles.
• Analyze the portrayal of warfare in The Iliad.
• Discuss the theme of friendship in The Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus.
• Explore the concept of kleos (glory) in The Iliad and how it motivates the characters.
• Analyze the character of Priam and his role in the story of The Iliad.
• Discuss the significance of the Trojan Horse in The Iliad.
• How does Homer use imagery and symbolism in The Iliad to enhance the storytelling?
• Explore the theme of grief and mourning in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Odysseus and his role in The Iliad.
• Discuss the portrayal of gods like Zeus, Hera, and Athena in The Iliad.
• Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Hector and Achilles.
• Analyze the role of the muses in The Iliad.
• Discuss the theme of revenge in The Iliad.
• Explore the concept of xenia (hospitality) in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Briseis and her role in the story of The Iliad.
• Discuss the significance of the funeral rites in The Iliad.
• How does Homer use similes and metaphors in The Iliad to enhance the storytelling?
• Explore the theme of loyalty in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Diomedes and his role in The Iliad.
• Discuss the portrayal of Achilles' armor in The Iliad.
• Compare and contrast the character of Paris and his brother Hector.
• Analyze the role of the gods in the outcome of the Trojan War in The Iliad.
• Discuss the theme of pride in The Iliad.
• Explore the concept of fate versus free will in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Sarpedon and his role in the story of The Iliad.
• Discuss the significance of the gods intervening in mortal affairs in The Iliad.
• How does Homer portray the concept of justice in The Iliad?
• Explore the theme of mortality in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Thetis and her relationship with Achilles.
• Discuss the portrayal of the underworld in The Iliad.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Nestor and Menelaus.
• Analyze the role of prophecy and omens in The Iliad.
• Discuss the theme of leadership in The Iliad.
• Explore the concept of divine intervention in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Aeneas and his role in The Iliad.
• Discuss the significance of the Trojan War in The Iliad.
• How does Homer use repetition and formulaic language in The Iliad to enhance the storytelling?
• Analyze the character of Ajax and his role in The Iliad.
• Discuss the portrayal of Achilles' rage in The Iliad.
• Compare and contrast the characters of Priam and Achilles.
• Analyze the role of prophecy and fate in The Iliad.
• Discuss the theme of honor in The Iliad.
• Explore the concept of divine justice in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Helen and her role in The Iliad.
• How does Homer use epic conventions in The Iliad to enhance the storytelling?
• Explore the theme of hospitality in The Iliad.
• Analyze the character of Andromache and her relationship with Hector.
• Discuss the portrayal of Hector's death in The Iliad.
• Analyze the role of the gods in The Iliad.
• Discuss the theme of fate in The Iliad.
• Explore the concept of heroism in The Iliad.

In conclusion,

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Books 13-16

Books 17-20

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Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

In the first stanza the poet refers to the Achaean deaths as “the will of Zeus […] moving toward its end” (77). Why does Zeus want to kill the heroes? What does he hope to achieve? Use at least three specific examples from the text to support your answer.

Examine the relationship between mortals and immortals. Draw on at least three specific interactions in your discussion.

What is the function of nature similes in the poem? Explore their meaning using at least three similes from the poem.

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124 Iliad Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on iliad, 👍 good iliad research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting iliad research titles, 💡 simple iliad essay ideas, ❓ iliad essay questions.

• Greek Concept of the “Therapon” in the “Iliad” by Homer
• Homer’s Portrayal of the Gods in The Iliad
• Agamemnon in the Iliad: Character Analysis
• Comparing Achilles and Hector in the Iliad
• Achilles and Hector in The Iliad by Homer: Comparison
• Achilles’ Pride and Hubris in Homer’s “The Iliad”
• The Aeneid, the Iliad and the Odyssey Literature Comparison
• God’s Anthropomorphism and Divinity in Homer’s Poem “Iliad” In the “Iliad”, Homer depicts gods as supernatural creatures who live following the rules. Gods are characterized by all human features.
• The Judgment of Paris in The Iliad: Analysis Numerous references present the work's characteristics, making it a popular research subject in cultural studies to Greek legends.
• Hero’s Journey: A Comparison of The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, and The Odyssey While Gilgamesh spends his time seeking eternal life, Odysseus seems more interested in living the life that he has. Odysseus’ hero journey exemplifies “how one ought to live”.
• Comparison: The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad The “Epic of Gilgamesh” touches upon people’s nature profoundly and still stays actual in the matters of the torture of loss and death for all human beings.
• Heroic Code in Homer’s Iliad Homer’s Iliad is somewhat unique among the ancient tales because of its tendency to include human features in its heroes.
• Heroine Analysis: Helen and Penelope in “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” The story of Helen and Penelope in both works by Homer display different destinies of two most eminent heroines in terms of their participation in the development of actions shown in both books
• “The Iliad” as a Primary Source for Historians “The Iliad” reflects the basic features of the ancient society, including the ways they made war and peace, the way they traded, and the way they interacted.
• Greek Heroic Motifs in “The Iliad”: Agamemnon and Priam In this essay, the analysis of two particular heroes, Priam and Agamemnon, will be introduced to investigate their lives through the prism of Homeric heroism in “The Iliad”.
• The Iliad’s Oral Tradition There are several suggestions that perhaps Homer’s The Iliad is the product of a much longer oral tradition that Homer wrote down and passed along as an artist.
• Iliad and Odyssey: Hector and Menelaus Comparison The Iliad and the Odyssey have great significance due to the lyrical content they encompass. It is vital to consider two characters in these readings – Hector and Menelaus.
• The Concept of “Therapon” in Homer’s “Iliad” Homer’s poem “Iliad” uses a concept of “therapon” which is not typical for any of other writers of those times and of modern times as well.
• Glory of War in the Homer’s “Iliad” Homer forces the characters to choose war as a way of bringing fame to them thus ensuring that their names run down to future generations.
• Homer’s “Iliad”, Its Effect and Relevance This paper analyzes Homer’s poem and its effect as an object of comparison to modern life and values, stating that despite the apparent difference some aspects did not change.
• Insignificance of the Doloneia in Homer’s “The Iliad” The Doloneia included a number of archaisms, which create the illusion of the ancient past, although this approach to antiquity has not been used by Homer throughout the story.
• Phoenix’s Speech in Book 9th of the Iliad The long speech of the phoenix in the ninth book of the Iliad is an important section in the vital subject of the poem. It is an ethical statement, and a minimum share of critical scrutiny is given in its opening part.
• Andromache in the Iliad: Character Analysis The truth, however, is that women’s roles differed from one culture to another and a blanket statement simply cannot be made.
• Job’s God from the Bible and Greek Gods from Iliad n the Bible’s story about Job, God’s intervention is limited to allowing Satan destroy Job’s family and possessions, as well as Job’s physical well-being, while the Greek’s Iliad has several interventions from the Gods.
• Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey — Comparison & Critique The stories of both have been repeated countless times and used in cultural references and in making big budget movies which speaks of their pervasive affect.
• The Poem “The Iliad” by Homer: Hector’s Character The poem “The Iliad” by Homer, depicts many different leadership images, however, some of them are more vivid than others. For example, one of these characters is Hector.
• “The Iliad” by Homer: Using of Suppliancy Most ancient Greek writers used suppliancy in poetry and short stories and this became a unique identification mark amongst writers from various regions of the world.
• Supplication in the Iliad In the Iliad there are many scenes of supplication. Two of the most important scenes are the supplication of Chryses to Agamemnon and the supplication of Priam to Achiles.
• The Iliad and The Odyssey – Homeric Epics Analysis The reason that The Odyssey had to be perceived after reading The Iliad is rather ponderous argument. The poems were titled by one and the same author.
• Homer’s Iliad and Sophocles’ Three Theban Plays The article is an analysis of Homer’s “Iliad” and Sophocles’ “Three Theban Pieces” – plays proving the greatness of ancient Greek literature.
• The Warrior Culture in “The Iliad” by Homer The essay will concentrate on Paris as one of the major characters in The Illiad whose role was to portray the level in which the society valued the warrior culture.
• The Myth and History Relationship in Homer’s Iliad The paper will examine the connection between myth and history to comprehend Greek civilization through Homeric poetry.
• The Poem “The Iliad” by Homer: Achilles’ Motivation in Ransoming Hector In Homer’s poem “The Iliad”, Achilles ransomed Hector’s body to return it safely to his family for proper burial to prevent further anger from the gods.
• “The Iliad of Homer” by Butler Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, raises some existential questions pertaining to the roles of humans and gods in determining destiny.
• “Iliad” by Homer and “A Thousand and One Nights”: Comparison The paper compares “Iliad” by Homer and “A Thousand and One Nights” by their main characteristics: supernatural power, theme-dream, use of symbols, and settings.
• Decision Making in The Iliad Decision-making in ‘The Iliad’ by Homer is given by primary gods, as the most powerful creatures who could form peoples’ lives and change their destinies according to their fads.
• Ancient Literature. Decision Making in Iliad by Homer The whole epic in ‘Iliad’ comes because of the Paris declaring the wrong goddess to be the most beautiful, which became the root cause of the war between Greeks and Trojans.
• The Image of Epic Heroes in Gilgamesh, the Iliad, and Beowulf Gilgamesh from the Epic of Gilgamesh, Achilles and Agamemnon from The Iliad, and Beowulf from the epic Beowulf may serve as the best examples of epic characters, which represent the image of a hero.
• Achilles’ Hero Behavior Cycle in the Iliad
• The Trojan War Between the Greeks and the Trojans in Homer’s The Iliad
• The Iliad vs. Today’s Standards
• Iliad Key Plot Points
• Divine Power and ‘The Iliad’ by Homer
• The Civic Law and How It Developed Through Time in Iliad
• Ransom: Iliad and Achilles’ Actions
• Homer’s Iliad and Greek Art
• God and Godlike Humans in the Bible and Iliad
• The Iliad: The Definition of a Tragic Hero
• Iliad and the Materialistic Views on Life
• Free Pride and Hubris in the Iliad
• The Main Female Characters in the Iliad and Their Relationship With the Male Characters
• Bible God vs. Iliad Gods
• Diomedes, the True Hero of Homer’s Iliad
• Revenge, Justice, and Destiny – The Major Themes in Homer’s Iliad
• How Ethical Are the Gods in the Iliad?
• Greek Rhetoric and Argument in Homer’s Iliad
• Achilles’ Influence and Morality in the Iliad
• The Created and Existent Gods in Homer’s Iliad
• Comparison Between Homer’s Iliad and Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy
• Love Issues and Romances in the Homer’s Iliad
• The Iliad: Tragedy and Miracle of Life and Mankind
• The Interaction Between Fate and Choice in the Iliad
• Epic Heroism and Values of the Iliad
• Egypt’s Burial Rites and Homer’s ‘The Iliad’
• Historical and Biographical Criticism of the Iliad by Homer
• Speech Development and Characters of Andromache and Nestor in Homer’s ‘The Iliad’
• The Kings Requests and Obedience of the Iliad
• Aeneid and Iliad: How They Relate to the Modern World
• The Rage and Love of Achilles in the Iliad, a Poem by Homer
• The Importance and Role of Respect for Authority in The Iliad by Homer
• Which Warrior Best Encompasses the Idea of Kleos in the Iliad
• Oedipus Rex, the Iliad and the Odyssey and How These Works Relate to Gender
• The Competition for Power and Ultimate Victory Throughout the Iliad
• The Relationship Between the Gods and Mortals as Portrayed in the Iliad
• The Relationship Between Men and Women in Homers the Iliad
• Achilles: The Tragic Hero of the Iliad
• The Tragic Heroes and the Effect on Humankind in Homer’s The Iliad
• The Understanding and Concern of the Character of Telemonian Aias in Homer’s Iliad
• The Role and Influence of the Gods on the Conflict in the Iliad by Homer
• Achilles and Greek Heroism in Homer’s Iliad
• Conflict Within the Mythology of the Iliad by Homer
• The Conflict Between Hector and Achilles in the Iliad
• The Iliad: The Glory of War vs. Family Life
• Violence, Power, and Goals in the Hebrew Bible and the Iliad
• Critical Thinking About Fate and Free Will in Homers’ Iliad
• Sacred Rituality and Especially Hiketeia in the Iliad
• Ring Composition for Nestor’s Speech in Book XI of the Iliad
• The Battle Between Egoism and Altruism in the Iliad
• Male Issues and the Character of a Mediocre Man in the Iliad
• Humankind, Life, and Tragedy in ‘The Iliad’ by Homer
• Heroism Inthe Iliad: Achilles vs. Hector
• Literature and the Epic Nature of the Iliad by Homer and Gilgamesh
• The Trojan War Myth: Fact and Fiction of Homer’s The Iliad
• Trojan War, Homer and the Other Historical Embracements of the Iliad
• Imagery and Epic Simile in ‘The Iliad’ by Homer
• The Role and Importance of Achilles in the Iliad
• Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ and Classifications of Women
• Reasons Why the Iliad by Homer Is a Morality Play
• How Does Homer Depict War in “The Iliad?”
• How the Iliad Portray the Ideal Epic World in Terms of Ancient Greek Values?
• How Does the Iliad Reveal the Issues of Gods and the Fate?
• Why Are the Gods in Bliss When the Men Go to War in Iliad?
• What Is the Mythological Paradeigma in the Iliad?
• What Is the Human and Divine Relationship in Homer’s Iliad?
• How the Peloponnesian War Is Depicted in the Iliad?
• What Is Arthut Adkins’ Perception of the Iliad?
• Why Does the Iliad Conclude with the Funeral of Hektor
• What Is the Function of Digressions in the Iliad?
• What Makes Achilleus and Hektor the Heroes of the Iliad?
• Which Warrior Best Encompasses the Idea of Kleos in the Iliad?
• What Does the Image of a Predator Mean in the Iliad?
• How Modern Paroemiology and the Use of Gnomai in Homer’s Iliad Can Be Linked?
• What Is the Role of Tragic Form and Feeling in the Iliad?
• Whay Is the Theme of the Mutilation of the Corpse in the Iliad?
• How the Divine Audience and the Religion Are Illustrated in the Iliad?
• What Is the Paradigmatic Nature of Nestor’s Speech in Iliad?
• What Is the Relationship Between Men and Women in the Iliad?
• What Is the Quarrel Between Agamemnon and Achilles in Iliad?
• What Is the New Critical Edition of the Scholia to the Iliad?
• What Are the Similarities and Differences Between the Iliad and the Odyssey?
• What Is the Formularity of the Place Phrases of the Iliad?
• What Is the Interaction Between Fate and Choice in the Iliad?
• What Is the Civic Law and How It Developed Through Time in Iliad?

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StudyCorgi . "124 Iliad Essay Topics." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/iliad-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "124 Iliad Essay Topics." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/iliad-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Iliad were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

The Iliad Study Guide

The most ancient text preserved to our days raises more questions than there are answers. When was The Iliad written? What was the purpose of the epic poem? What is the subject of The Iliad? The Iliad Study Guide prepared by Custom-Writing.org experts explores the depths of the historical context that inspired Homer to create this timeless work of fiction.

The Iliad Key Facts

The iliad articles.

The poem’s summary

If you need to quickly figure out the intricacies of the epic poem’s plot, you’re in the right place. This page contains The Iliad plot overview and chapter summaries.

Character analysis

Why have Achilles & Agamemnon quarreled? Find the answer on The Iliad characters page. The Achaeans, the Trojans, and gods are described here.

Themes of The Iliad

What are the themes in The Iliad ? Find here the answer to this question. This article analyzes rage, glory, honor in The Iliad , as well as other epic poem’s themes.

Symbolism & literary analysis

What is The Iliad genre? What do the poem’s opening lines mean? What are the key symbols used in The Iliad ? Find all the answers on The Iliad analysis page.

Essay topics and examples

Need to write an essay on The Iliad? We’ve collected top questions and essay samples together with a list of The Iliad essay topics, ideas, and prompts.

Iliad Q&A 

Who killed Patroclus? How long is The Iliad ? Find here all the answers! This page of The Iliad study guide contains questions and answers about the poem.

Historical Context of The Iliad

Even though The Iliad describes historical events, it is still a work of fiction. Homer drew inspiration from Greek mythology that flourished in the Mycenaean civilization . This epoch lasted from the 16 th to 9 th centuries BC. By the moment Homer wrote The Iliad, the culture had grown extinct. The author felt nostalgic for the times of fearless warriors, heroic code, and gods’ worshiping. That is why we need to analyze The Iliad in the context of the actual Trojan War and in the light of fictional elements characteristic of the epoch.

History books were unavailable in the 8 th century BC. All we know about those days comes from literature and archeological excavations. Homer gave a poetic account of the Achaean siege of Troy. Still, some scientists consider that the poem was a condensed picture of many wars held at the Trojan walls. After all, Homer lived some 400 years after the city had been destroyed. There were no witnesses alive or libraries to consult the chronicles. The Iliad was based on folk legends, lore, and stories about the war that ended long ago.

The Iliad goes beyond the mere reproduction of ancient traditions and ways of warfare. It is a psychological poem that tries to explain why people fight with each other, how they accept losses, and why they reconcile. Book 1 starts with Achilles’ anger, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. Homer wanted to show that some things exceed their historical period and remain unchangeable in any epoch. That is why his oeuvre remains topical thousands of years later.

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Looking for The Iliad summary? Need to quickly figure out the intricacies of the epic poem’s plot? You’re in the right place! In the article prepared by our experts, you’ll find The Iliad timeline of events, plot overview, and detailed summaries of the poem’s books. 🔰 The Iliad Plot Overview ...

Who is Patroclus in The Iliad? Why have Achilles and Agamemnon quarreled? Find the answers on The Iliad characters page prepared by Custom-Writing.org experts. The Achaeans, the Trojans, and Greek gods are described here. The quotes that you’ll find in the sections below are taken from the translation made by...

What are the themes in The Iliad? Find here the answer to this question. This article by our experts analyzes rage, glory, honor in The Iliad, as well as other epic poem’s themes. Ancient people perceived the world differently than we do now. These cultural features are revealed in the...

The Iliad is a description of the Trojan war that took place in the 13th century BC. It tells about the ancient gods and the society that no longer exists today. The meaning of the themes, conflicts, plot, and symbols requires explanation to be understood by the modern reader. What...

Essays helps you to get a deeper understanding of a literary work. The Iliad is an epic poem, tragedy, and war chronicle that provides endless opportunities for debates. Its themes, symbolism, imagery, and motifs raise exciting issues for your reflection. Need to write The Iliad essay? This section prepared by...

The Iliad is the most ancient piece of writing known to humanity. It is a window to the world our ancestors lived in and a valuable source of historical facts. Still, many centuries separate us from the Homeric times, and even more centuries lie between the present day and the...

The epic poem ends in a nostalgic and mournful way. The last book is about a father who lost his son and wishes to make an honorable funeral as the last thing he could give him. The book symbolizes the end of any war when sorrow replaces anger. Book 24,...

The main values glorified in The Iliad and The Odyssey are honor, courage, and eloquence. These three qualities were held as the best characteristics a person could have. Besides, they contributed to the heroic code and made up the Homeric character of a warrior. The Odyssey also promotes hospitality, although...

The Iliad is set in Troy and its outskirts. It was a real city not far from modern Canakkale (Turkey) at the mouth of the Dardanelles. Greeks wiped it away at the end of the Trojan War. Some scenes related to gods take place on Olympus and Mount Ida, where...

The epic poems refer to the beginning of the Archaic period in Ancient Greek history. They were written in the second half of the 8th century BC as a nostalgia for the Mycenaean civilization. In his writing, Homer used historical facts and mythology to create a romanticized version of the...

The last King of Troy was a wise ruler who extended control over Hellespont (ancient name for The Dardanelles). His first wife was Arisbe. Then he married Hecuba. According to Homer’s text, Priam had 50 children from these two women and other concubines. Achilles killed his eldest son, Hector, who...

Menelaus, the King of Sparta, had the most beautiful wife in the world, Helen. Paris, the Prince of Troy, stole her and held her captive as a lover in Troy. These events caused the ten-year-long Trojan war that took thousands of lives and entailed the destruction of Troy. Menelaus led...

The epic hero is the first-born son of the King of Troy, Priam. He is the husband of Andromache and the father of Astyanax, his baby son. Hector is the commander-in-chief of the Trojan forces and the heir of the throne after Priam’s death. The greatest Trojan warrior disapproved of...

Hector is a brave leader and mighty warrior. These qualities make him an iconic epic hero in line with Achilles, Odysseus, Great Ajax, and Patroclus. We can find the best description of his character at the end of Book 2, where Homer presents him as the bravest Trojan. In Book...

Achilles wants to revenge for Patroclus’ death. Hector killed Patroclus and took his armor (which initially pertained to Achilles). Achilles is mourning his close friend and promises not to eat and not bury Patroclus’ body as long as Hector is still alive. Achilles refused to fight for the Achaeans more...

The Iliad finishes before Achilles is killed. Paris, the Prince of Troy, shoots a poisoned arrow that hits Achilles’ heel. But the epic poem concludes right after Hector’s honorable funeral. The events that entailed the fall of Troy are not part of The Iliad. The central conflict in the text...

Patroclus died as a true hero in battle. He killed every Trojan he met on his way and saved the Achaean ships. His intervention made the Trojans retreat and started the end of the fortified city. Zeus predicted Patroclus’ death, and there was no way to change his fate. The...

The Greek myths have two versions of Helen’s end of life. The first tells that she returned to Sparta to live with Menelaus until they both die. The second version tells how Helen fled to the Island of Rhodes. There she was hanged by the local queen who sought vengeance....

In Book 22, Hector killed Patroclus, Achilles’ close comrade. Achilles vowed to revenge for the friend’s death. He found Hector near Trojan walls. Hector tried to reason him, but Achilles was impregnable. He and killed Hector, stabbing him in the throat. Neither did he follow Hector’s request to return his...

Patroclus was Achilles’ close friend. The news of his death devastated the hero. He mourned beside the body, beating the ground and crying so loudly that Thetis (Achilles’ mother) came to comfort him. Then the grief gives way to anger, and Achilles craves vengeance. Achilles was offended by Agamemnon and...

In The Iliad, Homer does not mention Paris’ death. But from Greek mythology, we know that he dies of a poisoned arrow. Helen tries to ask Oenone to help (or Paris does so in a different version of the myth). The nymph rejects her request, having been offended by Paris....

On the verge of death, Hector asks Achilles to return his body to his father, Priam. Achilles does not satisfy his last request. His anger is not satisfied, so he drags Hector’s body around the Trojan walls. After Patroclus’ body is burnt on a pyre and his remnants are buried,...

Achilles refuses to fight for the Achaeans because Agamemnon, the commander-in-chief, insulted his honor. He took Achilles’ war prize to replace his own. Achilles does not fight for his woman but wishes that the Greeks suffer so that Agamemnon realizes he shouldn’t have started the conflict with Achilles. The reader...

The Iliad by Homer is an extended narrative that occupies 15,693 lines. In most hardcover editions, one page contains 23 to 25 lines. It makes up approximately 600 pages. If you read the book with a speed of 250 words per minute, you will finish it in ten hours. How...

In Book 16, Hector kills Patroclus in battle. But it was not clean fighting. Apollo helped to knock Patroclus off his feet, and a young soldier made the first hit. But Hector finished him off, and that is why we consider him to be the murderer. How does Patroclus die?...

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Great Essay Topics For The Iliad: 10 Ideas To Consider

The Iliad has been passed down for millennia, and is thought to have been told orally long before it was written down by the mysterious Greek poet Homer. Recorded by Homer during the Greek Archaic Age, The Iliad is one of mankind’s oldest war stories, an epic tale of battle and intrigue full of larger-than-life heroes and mischievous gods. It’s a huge, expansive epic poem, with dozens of human and divine characters. There are many situations, characters, and themes to explore in this venerable tale, so coming up with essay topics for the Iliad isn’t as hard as you might think.

Here are ten ideas to consider for an essay about the Iliad:

• What role does Fate play in the Iliad, both in terms of the outcome of the Trojan War, and in terms of the destinies, emotions, and psychology of the individual characters?
• Discuss the nature, role, and “heroic code” characteristic of the Homeric hero.
• Discuss the portrayal of father-son relationships in The Iliad, referencing the relationship between Priam and Hector as well as the relationship between Achilles and Peleus.
• Discuss the actions and motivations of divine figures in The Iliad.
• Discuss the Homeric portrayal of “kleos,” the concept of glory that is earned through heroic battle.
• Discuss the Homeric theme of respect or honor (“timê”) earned through a man’s lifetime of cultural accomplishments.
• Discuss the theme of wrath in The Iliad.
• Is Achilles a sympathetic character? Discuss his personality, characterization, and motivations, such as the concept of “The Wrath of Achilles” that permeates the epic.
• Discuss the Iliad’s portrayal of female characters, both human and divine.
• Discuss the role of vanity, wrath, and personal gain in the reasons for the Trojan War
• Discuss the roles of the Gods as agents of fate, including the fact that they themselves are fully subject to Fate.
• What is the “moral” of the Iliad? What is its statement about human nature?
• Compare aspects of the Iliad, like literary style and the role of the gods, with The Odyssey.
• Discuss the role of Zeus (or another major divinity) in the story.
• Discuss the events and themes surrounding the death of Patroclus, Achilles’ close companion.
• Compare styles and themes in The Iliad with a later epic poem, such as the Aeneid or Dante’s Inferno.

These ten ideas are just a small sample of possible essay topics for the Iliad. It’s such a rich, multifaceted, and expansive work that the possibilities are nearly endless. Whatever topic you choose to write about, make sure it’s at least interesting to you, and you’ll do a great job.

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Honor and Glory

One of the central ideas of the Iliad is the honor that soldiers earn in combat. For an ancient Greek man, the ability to perform in battle is the single greatest source of worthiness. The glory earned by soldiers on the battlefield enabled them to live on in legend, becoming heroes who would be remembered long after death. The characters of the Iliad often make reference to the great heroes of past ages, such as…

The gods in Homer often take an active interest in the lives of mortals, who are sometimes their children by blood. At times the gods take the form of men, as when Apollo speaks into Hector ’s ear, persuading him toward a particular course of action or filling him with the strength to push back enemies. At times, the role of the gods can seem metaphorical, explaining strange changes in the moods and strength of…

Fate and Free Will

Throughout the Iliad there is a deep sense that everything that will come to pass is already fated to happen. For Homer, the Trojan War was already an old story passed down for generations, and the poem is presented from the very beginning as a completed story, “the will of Zeus …moving toward its end.” In the lives of men, the gods are powerful enough to act as fate, spurring them to actions they might…

Wartime Versus Peacetime

Although the Iliad is largely the tale of a brutal war, it contains many reflections of the peacetime life of the ancient Greek civilization. For the characters of the poem, war is something that is connected with the other parts of life, something that every man must undergo as he defends his city. The most important sign of the relationship between war and peace is found in Book 18, when the god Hephaestus forges the…

As a story of war, the Iliad confronts the fact that all men are doomed to die. The poem’s battles are filled with descriptions of the deaths of soldiers who only appear in the poem in order to pass away. Homer frequently provides a small story of the life or family history of the deceased, a gesture that shows the tragedy of how much those soldiers leave behind them. However, death in battle is also…

Love and Friendship

Throughout the Iliad strong ties of love and friendship are central to the poem’s development. The friendship between soldiers can be a vital force that spurs them onward, whether in living friendship or out of revenge for the fallen. Two warriors, like Great and Little Ajax , can become a powerful fighting team because of their camaraderie. However, the desire to protect friends and loved ones extends beyond the battlefield. In some sense The Trojan…

Traditional Epic Hero in Homer’s “The Iliad” Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

A hero in the society can be defined as an individual who is admired and emulated by everyone because of his superior virtues and character that the culture or the society has. A Hero has virtues and attributes that are adored, valued and desired by many.

The ideals of a given culture are determined by the social –cultural conditions of a society or can also be greatly influenced by the views and the perceptions of the author. The motivations and the actions of a hero greatly determine the society view towards them.

The Iliad is one of the ancient literatures that date between 900 and 750 B.C. The events took place in the ancient Greek Bronze Age. During the time, the Greek region was filled with strife and there was need for strong men to provide defense to the community.

One of the heroic acts was to become a great warrior who feared nothing. In the Greek Dark Age, most of the rulers were the warrior class and they had to show the ability to defend the land and its populace.

In the Iliad, the two main heroic characters were Achilles and Hector. These two were drawn from the two main armies, that is, the Greek army and the Trojan army. These two warriors share some commonalities as well as differences (Samuel 5).

The two heroes share some common features that distinguish them as heroes. Both were great warriors from both sides. The two warriors were strong and had high confidence in themselves. During the duel between the two warriors, they were confident that they would beat each other. The two warriors were also men of honor and had pride.

Hector refused to retreat when ordered by his father Priam while Achilles decided to avenge the death of Patroclus . Both warriors also wanted glory and everyone to respect them. Another similarity is that both warriors are faithful to their family and friends. Achilles decides to forget his differences with the Agamemnon so as to avenge the death of his friend. He also wept bitterly for the loss of his friend Patroclus (Samuel 25).

The Ilaid also shows a number of differences between the two warriors. Prince hector is viewed as an epitome of the humane warrior and a fierce fighter. He is courageous and even fights the Greek giant Ajax. He is humane and is portrayed as been a father and a loving son to his aging parents. He also loves to his wife Andromache.

On the other hand, Achilles is depicted as a rough cruel and unmerciful warrior. He only has her mother and Patroclus his friend. Even though hector pleads with Achilles to allow him get a decent burial, Achilles kills hectors and drags his body on his chariot as a sign of dishonouring and disrespecting him. Achilles is mostly portrayed as a man of rage and furious. His anger towards the Agamemnon made Achilles to stop fighting for the Greeks and decided to fall back (McKenzie, 6)

Unlike hector, Achilles fights for the glory and honour of his name. He has excessive pride and has no regard or love for his countrymen. This is seen when he withdraws from the war leaving the Greek venerable to death. Achilles is also very individualistic and full of vengeance. Hector is an honourable and patriotic man. He fights to defend his own kingdom and the people of Troy as well as his honour.

Achilles is also depicted as a traditional epic hero. The Iliad discuss him as a superhuman that cannot be conquered but having a weakness only in his kneel. Hector is not deemed as invisible but as a person who can be conquered. The king urges hector not to fight Achilles indicating that Priam feared his son would be defeated.

Works Cited

Samuel, Butler. Homer’s The Iliad . New York: Orange Street Press. 1998. Print.

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Have Wine for Breakfast, Put On a 51-Pound Suit and Get to the Battlefield

Greek soldiers recreated ancient life conditions in a study to determine if the Dendra panoply, armor used by the Mycenaeans some 3,500 years ago, could stand up to combat. Study authors found it did.

A soldier wearing a replica of a bronze armor. Credit... Andreas D. Flouris/University of Thessaly

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By Amanda Holpuch

• Published June 6, 2024 Updated June 7, 2024, 11:30 a.m. ET

One by one, Greek soldiers, bellies full from a breakfast of red wine and dry bread, armed and clad themselves in a bulky, buglike suit of armor as they prepared for battle.

They aimed their spears at wooden targets, and their chariot was connected to a treadmill motor, but for 11 hours, these elite soldiers from the Hellenic Armed Forces pretended to fight as if it was the 15th century B.C.

They had been recruited for a study to determine if the Dendra panoply, a suit of armor from 3,500 years ago considered to be one of the oldest known from the Bronze Age in Europe, could be worn in battle. Or if it was only ceremonial, as some scholars have previously argued.

The soldiers wore a replica of the suit, and scientists tracked their blood-glucose levels, heart rates and other physiological measures, finding that the men’s bodies could handle the strain of the armor, according to a paper published in the journal PLOS One on May 22.

Andreas Flouris, the lead author of the paper and the director of the FAME Lab at the University of Thessaly in Volos, Greece, where the battles took place, said that the simulated combat, as well as other research components, showed that the armor would have been “a very advanced piece of military technology” at the time.

“If you’re carrying a piece of wood or a stone or maybe something with a bit of bronze in the front, like a spear, somebody wearing this armor looks like a giant robot in front of you,” said Dr. Flouris, a professor of physiology at the University of Thessaly.

An Ancient Guide to Battle

There are no historical accounts of how the Dendra armor was used, according to the research, so the soldiers’ combat day was based on an analysis of “The Iliad,” Homer’s account of the Trojan War.

The paper’s authors acknowledged that “The Iliad” does not provide a precise account of late Bronze Age warfare, which took place about 500 years before Homer wrote the epic poem, but said that it was “a rational starting point” for the research.

In the combat study, the soldiers fought on foot and on chariot, using replica weapons including a spear with blunted edges and a point, and spent a lot of time walking and chariot riding. They also followed a meal plan created by the researchers, which included a breakfast of mostly dry bread, goat cheese, green olives and red wine.

They could not wear the Dendra armor, which is dated to around 1450 B.C. Instead, the soldiers donned a replica with an alloy mostly made of copper, the closest to the original bronze that was available, the study said. The replica was made in 1984 by students and staff in the metalworking department at the now-closed Bournville College of Art in Birmingham, England.

Wanted: Soldiers the Size of Ancient Greeks

Researchers sought out marines who had similar body proportions to the elite soldiers of the period for the simulated battles, which took place in 2019.

The 13 unpaid volunteers they recruited were all men in their 20s and 30s and were an average of about 5 feet 7 inches tall and 163 pounds.

The soldiers received two days of training before combat day, which began with a 5:30 a.m. wake-up. Their physiological data were monitored throughout the day, and the study found that they had been able to fight in the armor, which weighs 23.3 kilograms (or more than 51 pounds).

The exercise took its toll: The soldiers showed a high level of fatigue, sore upper bodies from the weight of the metal and foot pain from walking, running, riding a chariot and fighting barefoot, according to the study.

Dr. Flouris said the findings provided a clue as to how the Mycenaean civilization was able to rule over a large part of the eastern Mediterranean before it collapsed at the end of the Bronze Age. “This study provides important support to the hypothesis many have put forth that military technology had a lot to do with that,” he said.

21st-Century Limits on Bronze Age Combat

Dr. Flouris said that the study used conservative measurements because of the limits of replicating millenniums-old combat. For instance, the soldiers in the study had not been trained to fight in those conditions at the same level as ancient elite soldiers would have been, and they were engaging in warfare for science, not as matter of life or death.

To address some of these limits, the researchers did math simulations to test what would have happened to a soldier wearing the Dendra armor if, for instance, their heart rate reached 200 beats per minute instead of 140.

Lee L. Brice, a history professor at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., who was not involved with the research, said that he teaches students about the Dendra armor. He had thought that the armor could be used in chariot warfare, but that it would have been too inflexible for combat. “They’ve proven that old idea is wrong,” he said.

Because the Dendra armor would have been worn only by the Mycenaeans’ top warriors, the research does not reveal much about ancient soldiers more widely, Dr. Brice said.

“At best, we know how one very elite person could very capably have fought in battle wearing this,” said Owen Rees, a lecturer in applied humanities at Birmingham Newman University in Birmingham. He also was not involved with the research.

Dr. Rees said that historians tried not to use “The Iliad” to understand Mycenaean warfare, but that the paper still succeeded by challenging assumptions about the Dendra armor.

“It’s easy to see this as a weird novelty,” Dr. Rees said. “But this kind of research has a place.”

Amanda Holpuch covers breaking news and other topics. More about Amanda Holpuch

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