Which Gods Took Sides In The Iliad War?

The 'Iliad' stands out among ancient war epics for its intense focus on human emotions and the personal struggles of its heroes. Unlike 'The Epic of Gilgamesh,' which delves into existential themes, or 'The Mahabharata,' with its sprawling cast and philosophical depth, Homer’s work zeroes in on the wrath of Achilles and the futility of war. The Trojan War isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a crucible that tests honor, loyalty, and mortality. What fascinates me is how the 'Iliad' avoids glorifying war. While 'The Aeneid' later paints conflict as a means to empire, Homer shows the brutality and cost. Hector’s farewell to Andromache or Priam’s plea for his son’s body—these moments strip war of its grandeur. Comparatively, 'The Song of Roland' feels more one-dimensional, celebrating heroism without the same psychological weight. The 'Iliad' remains unmatched in its raw, poetic humanity.

Achilles' death in the 'Iliad' is one of those epic moments that sticks with you long after you've read it. While Homer doesn’t actually describe it in the poem itself, later traditions and ancient sources like the 'Aethiopis' fill in the gaps. The story goes that Achilles was shot in the heel by Paris, guided by the god Apollo. This was his only vulnerable spot, thanks to his mother Thetis dipping him in the River Styx as a baby but holding him by the heel. What makes this so tragic is that Achilles knew his fate—he was destined to die young if he chose glory over a long life. He chose glory, avenging Patroclus' death by killing Hector, but his own death came soon after. The irony is thick: the greatest warrior of the Greeks, nearly invincible, brought down by a single arrow to his one weak point. It’s a stark reminder of how even the mightiest heroes have their flaws, both literal and metaphorical.

Hector was the greatest warrior of Troy in 'The Iliad,' embodying the ideals of honor, duty, and family. Unlike many heroes driven by personal glory, Hector fought primarily to protect his city and loved ones. His confrontation with Achilles is legendary, showcasing his bravery even in the face of certain death. Hector’s humanity shines through moments like his tender farewell to his wife Andromache and their son Astyanax, making him one of the most relatable figures in the epic. Beyond his martial prowess, Hector was a leader who carried the weight of Troy’s survival. His death marked a turning point in the war, symbolizing the inevitable fall of Troy. What makes Hector compelling is his tragic arc—he’s a hero bound by fate, yet his choices reflect deep moral courage. His legacy endures as a counterpoint to Achilles’ rage, offering a quieter but profound commentary on heroism and sacrifice.

'The Iliad' is a vivid portrayal of the grim reality of war that hits different emotions head-on. As a college student diving into this epic, I’m struck by how Achilles’ rage leads not just to personal tragedy but to widespread devastation. The relentless cycle of revenge, like when Hector kills Patroclus, shows that loss spirals outwards—one person's pain igniting others' fury. The battlefield is brutal, with vivid descriptions of death that feel hauntingly real. It's not just the warriors who suffer; families, cities, and the innocent are left in ruins. The gods meddling in human affairs adds a layer of absurdity to it all, highlighting how often the consequences of war are beyond anyone’s control. This epic serves as a timeless reminder that war brings suffering, a theme echoed in modern conflicts. If you're into deep and philosophical reads about the dark side of humanity, I'd suggest checking out 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.

As someone deeply fascinated by ancient epics and historical accuracy, I find that 'Troy' (2004) starring Brad Pitt is one of the most visually striking adaptations of the Iliad war. While it takes creative liberties for cinematic appeal, the core themes of honor, love, and fate remain intact. The film captures the grandeur of the Trojan War with its massive battle scenes and emotional depth, especially in Hector's portrayal. For a more traditional take, the 1956 film 'Helen of Troy' stays closer to Homer's narrative, focusing on the tragic romance between Paris and Helen. The black-and-white cinematography adds a timeless quality to the myth. Another notable mention is the miniseries 'The Odyssey' (1997), which, while not solely about the Iliad, provides context for the war's aftermath. Each adaptation offers a unique lens, but 'Troy' stands out for balancing spectacle and substance.

The Iliad war, famously depicted in Homer's epic 'The Iliad,' was sparked by a complex web of divine intervention, human pride, and love. The immediate cause was the abduction of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, by Paris, a prince of Troy. Helen was married to Menelaus, king of Sparta, and her departure with Paris was seen as a grave insult to Greek honor, leading Menelaus and his brother Agamemnon to rally the Greek forces against Troy. The deeper roots of the conflict, however, lie in the judgment of Paris, where the Trojan prince was tasked with choosing the fairest among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Aphrodite promised him Helen's love in return for his favor, setting the stage for the war. The Greeks, bound by oaths to defend Helen's marriage, saw the abduction as a violation of xenia, the sacred laws of hospitality. This cultural and religious breach, combined with the Greeks' thirst for glory and the gods' manipulations, turned a personal dispute into a decade-long war that reshaped the ancient world.

The setting of 'The Iliad' plays a crucial role in shaping the Trojan War, not just as a backdrop but as an active participant in the narrative. The rugged terrain of Troy, with its high walls and strategic position near the sea, creates a sense of inevitability about the conflict. The Greeks are trapped by their obsession with honor and glory, unable to retreat even when the war drags on for years. The gods, who intervene frequently, are as much a part of the setting as the physical landscape, their whims and rivalries mirroring the human struggles below. The harsh conditions of the battlefield—dust, heat, and the ever-present threat of death—amplify the brutality of the war. Homer’s descriptions of the Scamander River running red with blood or the funeral pyres lighting up the night sky make the setting visceral and oppressive. The Trojan War isn’t just fought by men; it’s shaped by the land, the weather, and the divine, making the setting inseparable from the story itself.

Aeneas’s journey after the fall of Troy is one of those epic survival stories that just hooks you. Unlike most Trojan heroes who get wiped out, Aeneas becomes this symbol of resilience. The 'Iliad' barely scratches the surface, but you can see the seeds of his destiny—especially when Poseidon casually drops that he’s fated to survive and lead the Trojans’ legacy. Homer leaves him mid-battle, but the real drama unfolds later. Imagine carrying your elderly father on your back while dragging your kid through flaming ruins, all because some goddess mom whispered, 'Run, my son, your story isn’t over.' That’s peak heroic material right there. Post-'Iliad,' Aeneas becomes the ultimate wanderer. Virgil’s 'Aeneid' picks up where Homer leaves off, turning him into a refugee with divine homework: found a new city that’ll eventually birth Rome. The contrast between his 'Iliad' role—a minor noble—and his 'Aeneid' glow-up is wild. He’s no longer just another soldier; he’s the guy who weathers storms, ditches Dido (heartbreaking, by the way), and even journeys to the Underworld. His arc feels like a video game protagonist unlocking his true purpose after the tutorial level (Trojan War). The 'Iliad' sets the stage, but Aeneas’s real trials—loss, love, and legacy—are what make him legendary.