What Epic Elements do you Find in “The Illiad?”
The Iliad is a notable literary work by Homer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Iliad.
Answer
What epic elements do you find in “The Illiad?”
“The Iliad” (762 BCE) by Homer (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE) is one of the greatest epic poems in history. It has all the elements that make a story epic—heroes, gods, battles, and deep themes like honor and fate. In this ancient epic poem, the story focuses on the Trojan War, with brave warriors, powerful gods, and the struggle between glory and death. Let us explore the key epic elements in “The Iliad” that contribute to its enduring status as a timeless classic.
A Heroic Character: Every epic has a hero, and in “The Iliad”, Achilles is that central heroic figure. He is the son of Peleus, a Greek king, and Thetis, a sea nymph or Goddess. Achilles is a mighty warrior known for his unmatched strength and courage. Despite his flaws, he remains the greatest fighter among the Greeks. Homer describes him as the greatest of all the Achaeans. Achilles’ journey and inner conflicts show how complex a hero can be.
Gods and Supernatural Powers: One key element in epics is the involvement of Gods and other supernatural beings. In “The Iliad”, the Gods actively interfere in human affairs. For example, Athena helps Achilles by deceiving Hector during their final battle. The Gods often choose sides, like Zeus and Apollo favoring the Trojans and Hera supporting the Greeks. A quote that shows divine intervention is:
Whoever obeys the gods, the gods will favor.
The gods’ actions shape the entire course of the war.
Honour and Glory: Honour and glory are central themes in “The Iliad”, which are also common in epic poetry. For the warriors, achieving glory in battle is the most important goal. Homer emphasizes that for these heroes, dying with honor is better than living without it. Hector’s words highlight this:
Let me at least die gloriously, with a struggle,
and do some great deed that men will praise for all time.