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The Iliad : Key info

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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.

Key info

Key Facts

  • Full Title: The Iliad
  • Author: Homer (traditionally dated c. 8th century BCE)
  • Title of the Author: Ancient Greek Epic Poet; Father of Western Literature
  • Source: Based on the Trojan War legends, part of the Epic Cycle of ancient Greek mythology. Draws from oral tradition and heroic folklore passed down through generations.
  • Written Time: c. 8th century BCE (Archaic Greece)
  • First Published: Not “published” in the modern sense; preserved through oral recitation, later written down (possibly in 6th-century BCE Athens).
  • Genre: Epic Poetry / Mythological Epic / Heroic Literature
  • Form: Dactylic hexameter; 24 books of continuous verse narrative.
  • Structure: Begins in medias res (in the middle of things). Covers a few weeks in the tenth year of the Trojan War. The main focus is on Achilles’ wrath, the quarrel with Agamemnon, Patroclus’ death, Hector’s fall, and funeral rites.
  • Tone: Elevated, tragic, solemn, heroic, and full of pathos.
  • Point of View: Third-person omniscient (narrator invokes the Muse; shifts between gods, heroes, and battlefield scenes).
  • Significance: Foundational text of Western literature; explores fate vs. free will, the nature of heroism, the destructiveness of wrath, the role of gods in human affairs, and the honor-shame culture of ancient Greece.
  • Language: Ancient Greek.
  • Famous Line: “The rage of Achilles – sing it now, goddess.” (Opening line)
  • Setting:
  • Time Setting: During the Trojan War (traditionally dated to the 12th or 13th century BCE).
  • Place Setting: Troy (Ilium) and its surrounding battlefield plains; Greek (Achaean) camp near the shore; Olympus (home of the gods).

Key Notes – The Iliad

  • Epic Tradition: The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic, formed out of oral poetry. For generations, poets spread the story through song and recitation. In Homer’s voice, it took written form. The poem reflects the heroism of Greek civilization, the influence of gods and goddesses, war, and a deep belief in fate.
  • The Title – Iliad: The word Iliad comes from “Ilios” or “Ilion,” another name for the city of Troy. Thus, the title means “The Story of Troy.” However, the epic is not about the entire war, but only a few weeks toward the end of the Trojan War, focusing especially on the wrath of Achilles.
  • Achilles’ Wrath: The central theme of the entire epic is the wrath of the Greek hero Achilles. He withdraws from battle after a conflict with the Greek commander Agamemnon. When his friend Patroclus is killed, Achilles returns to the battlefield. He kills Hector to take revenge. This “wrath” symbolizes the destructive power of human emotions.