How does Homer delineate Olympian gods and goddesses in “The Iliad?”
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.
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How does Homer delineate Olympian gods and goddesses in “The Iliad?” [NU: 2017, 22] ★★
Homer’s (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE) “The Iliad” (762 BCE) is a great epic of ancient Greece. It deals with the Trojan War and the fate of both Greeks and Trojans. In this poem, Homer also shows the role of Olympian gods and goddesses. They take part in the war, guide the warriors, and often fight among themselves. Homer presents them with human feelings, emotions, and weaknesses.
Human-Like Qualities: Homer shows gods and goddesses with human qualities. They feel love, anger, pride, and jealousy. Zeus argues with Hera like a husband. Athena and Ares feel anger during battles. Aphrodite shows care and weakness. They eat, drink, and enjoy life like humans. Their behavior is very close to human actions. Phoenix, an Achaean commander, says to Achilles that Gods have emotions:
“Even the gods themselves can bend and change.”
This human-like nature makes them realistic for the Greek people. They are divine but not far from men. Homer’s gods act in ways people can easily understand.
Involvement in War: The Olympian gods take sides in the war. Hera, Athena, and Poseidon support the Greeks. Apollo, Ares, and Aphrodite help the Trojans. They join battles directly. Apollo saves Hector from danger. Athena helps Diomedes to wound Ares. Gods inspire warriors with courage or fear. They even fight each other on the battlefield. Their involvement makes the war larger than a human struggle. Homer shows that divine power is mixed with human effort in the Trojan War.
Influence on Fate: Homer presents gods as powerful but not all-powerful. Zeus is the king of gods, yet he also follows Fate. Even he cannot fully change destiny. For example, Zeus cannot save his son Sarpedon from death. Gods try to delay or hasten events, but fate rules at last. This shows a realistic belief of the Greeks.
“And fate? No one alive has ever escaped
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