In The Iliad, the immortals behave like the mortals.

Answer

Discuss how the action in “The Iliad” is influenced by the immortals. [NU: 2019]

Or, “In The Iliad, the immortals behave like the mortals.” Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2015]

Homer’s (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE) “The Iliad”(762 BCE) is a great Greek epic. It tells the story of the Trojan War with both human and divine action. The immortals in the poem take an active role in the war. They guide, help, and harm the warriors. They also quarrel and act like humans. Their influence changes the course of battles. In many scenes, Homer shows that gods behave very much like mortals.

Gods Support Two Sides: The action of the war is shaped by divine support. Some gods help the Greeks, while others help the Trojans. Hera, Athena, and Poseidon stand by the Greeks. Apollo, Ares, and Aphrodite defend the Trojans. They enter the war field and protect their chosen warriors. For example, Apollo saves Hector from danger. Athena helps Greek warriors like Diomedes. Without this divine help, the war would move differently. Their support makes the story larger than a human struggle.

Gods Show Human Emotions: Homer shows the gods with strong human feelings. They are jealous, angry, proud, and loving. Hera becomes angry with Zeus and argues with him like a wife. Aphrodite saves Paris because of love. Ares enters the battle in anger but is wounded. This behavior is very human. Though they are divine, their actions reflect mortal life. This makes them close to people and believable. Phoenix, an Achaean commander, says to Achilles that the Gods have emotions:

“Even the gods themselves can bend and change.”

Thus, the immortals in the poem behave like men and women.

Gods’ Quarrel and Fight: The gods not only guide humans but also fight among themselves. In one battle, Athena helps Diomedes to wound Ares. The gods even insult each other. They take revenge and show rivalry. Their quarrels are similar