Summary of The Iliad
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ScribdTranslationsSummary of The Iliad
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ScribdTranslationsSUMMARY OF THE ILIAD
The Iliad is about the wrath of Achilles due to the affront to his honor by the hubristic Agamemnon...
but it is also about many other things, both human and divine: it is a work that, despite
having already been established in a permanent text, is paradoxically in a state of
continuous flow, since no two readings are ever the same.
CANTO I CANTO XIII
From the beginning, the muse is asked to send the song of Crossing the wall, the Trojans, in various parts, kill
the misfortunes brought upon by the wrath of Achilles (1-7). It reaches the Achaeans, when Poseidon, moved by the calamity in
the assembly of the Argives, Chryses, priest of Apollo to from within by Zeus, approaches those who defended the ships
rescue his daughter, taken captive not long ago in the war and (1-42). Hidden under human form to encourage those who are
for honor delivered to Agamemnon (8-21). Apollo commanded them to stop, first urging the two Ajax and then the
the army a terrible epidemic for having been rejected other captains (43-124). Thus the Ajax and others reject
ignominiously his priest (22-52). Achilles makes a Hector from the slaughter of the ships in the midst of the battle line
assembly, to appease the god, in which the seer Calchas (125-205); soon, Idomeneo, moved by Poseidon to
proclaim that they should free their daughter Briseida from such to fight, having joined with Merion, assists by the
terrible dispute and does not refuse to give her daughter certainly to to the afflicted Achaeans (206-329). Then it gets tangled
But it seizes Briseis from Achilles, whom he had taken. a fierce battle in which Zeus favors the Trojans and
is granted as a reward for his courage. It takes possession of Poseidon to the Achaeans. Among them, the valor of
Briseida although Néstor opposes (130-311 and 318-347). Idomeneo (330-662). He kills Otrioneo, Asio and
Heated by this offense, the young man decides to firmly separate himself. Alcathoos and likewise, in the company of Merion, Antilochus and
of the war with the Myrmidons, his soldiers. His mother Menelaus fights with superiority against Aeneas, Deiphobus,
Thetis reaffirms her purpose and promises revenge to the suppliant Helene and Paris (363-672). She also apprehends Hector who...
(348-427). Meanwhile, the army is offering sacrifices. not long ago it was in the center of the place and in such a way it
expiatory and are offered to Apollo (312-317). Then they The Aegeans and other groups, who are already withdrawing.
he has Crises taken home along with the victims Trojans: but Hector strengthened by the counsel of
propitiatory, by whom the crime is expiated being Polidamante suddenly leads against the enemy to
sacrificed (428-487), since Thetis had presented those she had gathered (673-808). Ajax begins a
in Olympus secretly, favored with victory to the new combat and a fight is happening on both sides with great intensity
Trojans, while the Achaeans did not give a satisfaction to clamors (809-837).
Achilles (488-533). Hera, enemy of the Trojans, attacks.
these clandestine determinations and quarrel with Zeus in the
meal (534-567). For this reason, the whole
assembly of the gods, whom Hephaestus makes return
finally to tranquility and joy (568-611).
CANTO II CANTO XIV
Zeus -who would avenge the injury inflicted on Achilles- him Néstor, terrified by the clamor of the battle, comes out of his
sent a dream to Agamemnon to incite him to carry out the store where Macaón was still being cured, to explore the
battle with the hope of victory (1-40). At dawn, facts in the place where they were performed (1-26). Agamemnon,
Agamemnon expressed what was communicated in the dream and his own Odysseus and Diomedes, still lamenting their wounds, emerge.
decision to the leaders of the Argives; soon gathered a to the meeting changing places for the same reason; the
assembly of all (41-100). He liked it to test the faith the first of which was troubled by the success of the war and
of the town, of which he was suspicious, to feign the determination of Seeing the wall open now, reflect on the escape.
return to the homeland: having heard this the crowd began 81). Odysseus disapproves of this decision, and thus Diomedes
immediately, already tired from the war, to rebel and to persuade everyone to return to battle and that with their
prepare the navigation (101-154). Odysseus suppressed the presence help everyone by giving them certainty and advice;
surrender by mutual agreement and by the advice of Athena At the same time, Poseidon comforts Agamemnon who is already
It was worth pleading, threatening, and disgrace to bring them back and give strength to the army (82-152). Meanwhile, Hera,
this way to the assembly (155-210). To Tersites, that one to raise the morale of the Achaeans, he tends to himself
clumsy and foul-mouthed man who kept urging the and prepares before Zeus on Mount Ida to attract him
withdrawal, he punished him more severely as a lesson with all the praises of a wife; for which he is placed
the others (211-277). Thus, the crowd, restrained, submitted. the girdle of Aphrodite and brings the god from Lemnos
finally to let oneself be persuaded by the excellent speeches of Dream, who entertains it in the state of rest (153-
Odysseus and Nestor who renewed the ancient ones Poseidon had set traps at this time,
promises and they took advantage of these ostentations so that the through the counsel of Dream, the fate of the Achaeans that
they had confidence in combat; the same he returned them by assisting them promptly (352-401). Hector,
Agamemnon ordered the battle and filled with the heat of the fight the one wounded by the blow of the stone thrown at him by Ajax,
he was breathless and was transported and cured by his
the spirit of everyone (287-393). The army is already encouraged; the
first, having sacrificed the greatest victims, sit the soldiers (402-439). Fighting the Achaeans against the Trojans,
invitation in front of Agamemnon; the others take their having already raised their forces and spirit of combat, they distance them from
foods from various places and offer sacrifices, and each the ships, pursuing them in the foreground Ajax the Lesser
the people, instructed by their leaders, marches to battle (394-484). (440-522).
The careful catalog of the ships is inserted in this place,
towns, leaders, who had followed Agamemnon to war
of Troy (485-785). The Trojans also discovered what
what the Achaeans were plotting, they march to the field under the command
of Hector along with his allies, from which one is added
brief review (786-877).
CANTO III CANTO XV
At the first encounter of the battle, Paris or Alexander provokes. Waking from his slumber, Zeus sees Poseidon giving help.
with great fierceness to each of the Achaeans for battle; against the Trojans to the Achaeans (1-11). Then, he rebukes
but as soon as she sees Menelaus jumping from his chariot, she flees he harshly to Hera and sends for Iris from Olympus and
intimidated (1-37). Shortly afterwards, he himself, driven by Apollo uses them as his ministers to restore
Hector's cries present a singular challenge with his forces to the Trojans and simultaneously predicts all the
Menelaus, starting with the most important part of the battle; series of designs until the destruction of the city (12-77).
Having returned to the abode of the gods, Ares accepts the condition that Menelaus asks to be mediated.
promise, consecrating it in the presence of Priam (38- knows about the death of her son Ascalaphus and
Thus the armies lay down their arms and prepare themselves. prepare for revenge; Athena suppresses her anger (78-
sacrifices from both sides, meanwhile Helena calls 142). Apollo and Iris appear before Zeus and by command of
from the tower to Priam and the elders of Troy, this one forces Poseidon under threats to abandon the
files that are in the lower field (l l l-244). Being war. He, despite being filled with fear, still dares to
called, Priam appears in the company of Antenor and to resist (143-219). Apollo encourages Hector, now healed and
he makes a pact according to the ancient rite and under these conditions, withdrawn from combat for that reason, and renews the fate of
that if one of the two defeated the other, he would obtain Helena from the Trojans (220-280). Hector charges at the very strong.
and their riches; but the Trojans inferior to the Achaeans those who, ceasing to fight, withdrew to the ships;
they would pay a heavy fine (245-301). After the match kills part of them; others he makes flee, going
from Priam, Menelaus and Paris take up arms and march to before the god, who shaking his aegis trembled with fear
agreed space for the fight; but Paris, overwhelmed, is to the Achaeans and strengthened the Trojans, for overthrowing the
secretly taken by Hera and carried away unharmed to her muro prepared the way to destroy the army (281-389).
own dwelling (302-382). To the same place leads Helena, Due to this terrible misfortune that Eurypilus communicated to him, Patroclus
who first resisting the new husband reproaches him for his return to Achilles and urges him to help them in
cowardice; however, shortly after he reconciles with him that last trance (390-404). Meanwhile, the Achaeans
(383-448). In this way, Menelaus searches in vain for they fight terribly before their ships, many of them falling
an adversary who was enjoying the protection of the goddess, both parties (405-590). Finally, they withdraw without
while Agamemnon publicly seeks the price of the to scatter among the rows of the ships, from which Ajax
victory that had been agreed upon (449-461). Telamonio defends from the fire, armed with a spear, because
and Hector threatened to burn Protesilaus's ship (591-
746).
CANTO IV CANTO XVI
Helena was to be returned to the Achaeans according to the pact, and Achilles lends his friend Patroclus, who was begging him.
Differences eliminated in the combat line in which he asked for help, his own weapons and troops to go out to
separate Paris; Hera indignant in the assembly of the to fight on the condition that he would be satisfied with
gods, could no longer contain their hatred against the Trojans and reject the Trojans from the ships and not expose oneself to
he insists before Zeus in order that he grants the Achaeans to give greater dangers (1-100). Already weakened, Ajax himself, not
death to Paris (1-49). Athena, also an enemy of the was able to prevent the ship from catching fire (101-123). Seen
trojans, sent to earth by the exhortation of Zeus, which Achilles calls his friend to arms, prepares the
persuade a Pindar Lydian to launch an arrow against his own ranks, he speaks to them and makes the libations and the
Menelaus breaks the pact and introduces a new cause to dismiss the prayers (124-256). Suddenly, having seen the
fight (50-104). Called the doctor Machaon, he heals chief of the Myrmidons, terrorizing the enemies, the
Menelaus from his non-fatal wound (105-219). Meanwhile, deception of the figure of Achilles, free from the attack on the ship and
armed once again they return to fight the Trojans, put out the fire (257-303). The battle begins again and
those who fled blinded by fear, are chased over the
while Agamemnon goes back and forth among the crowd of Achaeans,
praising the valor of some like Idomeneo, Ajax, and Nestor, in the trench and even in the open field (306-418). Immediately,
that were already situated on the battlefield and Glaucus kills Sarpedon, son of Zeus, having remained
regarding the delay of the others like Menestheus, as the massacres avenged (419-507). This together with
Odysseus, Diomedes who were still not filled with the new fervor Hector and others in terrible combat with the Achaeans who
to fight (220-421). The struggle resumes, in which Ares drags the spoils, taking away the body of Sarpedon.
on one side and Apollo, Athena, and other deities on the other, Apollo sees this and by the command of Zeus the body is washed and
they respectively help the Trojans and the Achaeans (422- anointed and taken to Licia by his friends (508-683). At that time
544). in the course of events the fierce Patroclus pursues the
Trojans to the city, climb to its wall but are pushed away
from that place by the god (684-711); however, it resists from
new to Hector who bursts in full of strength, kills his charioteer
Cebrión takes the corpse away after having stripped it.
(712-782). Finally kills many of the crowd of
soldiers until Eufrobio wounds him, terrified himself
by the strength of Apollo and stripped of his weapons; Hector him
of death and urges Automedon to guide the chariot of
Achilles bringing him to the ships (783-867).
CANTO V CANTO XVII
The Achaeans continue to slaughter the Trojans; in front of him, Patroclus lies dead, Menelaus kills Euphorbus and strips him of his armor.
of all, the renowned Diomedes filled with ferocity by the his weapons (1-60). Hector, on the advice of Apollo, stopping
The protection of Palas removes Ares from the battle (1-94). But he pursues Automedonte, takes the spoils, and returns.
wounded by Pándaro, attacks with greater vehemence at while Menelaus summons Ajax the Greater, so that
the enemies (95-166); he kills Pándaro, while standing, and he takes care of the corpse (61-139). Hector withdraws before Ajax, but
after fighting from the chariot of Aeneas (167-296); wounds incited by Glaucus's reprimand, he returns again,
Aeneas, who was covering his friend's body (297-310); wounds him, proudly wearing Achilles' armor, in order to
Aphrodite in hand, but Iris pulls her out of the battle (311-351). To snatch the body and full of strength encourages each one of
Aphrodite freed by her daughter in Ares' chariot, takes her to theirs in the same battlefield; simultaneously
Olympus, where her mother Dione cradles her in her bosom. The Called by Menelaus, the most quickly come.
other gods laugh without being noticed (352-431). Apollo frees brave Achaeans (140-261). Thus in one place it originates.
Aeneas, separated by Athena from the fury of Diomedes, and he heals him. a terrible fight between Menelaus and Hector with each of
recreating it in the Trojan fortress and calls again to the troops and fight one another with different luck. They for
Ares to the ranks (432-460). Ares urges the Trojans to defend the body of Patroclus and they to drag it
Let them fight with strength; immediately he presents himself before them. and it becomes a source of mockery (262-425). Zeus returns strength to the
Aeneas, now healed (461-518). Nor do the Achaeans fight Achilles' horses who lamented the death of Patroclus and
with cowardice and many fall from both sides, among these Automedon returns them to battle in union with
Tlepolemus against Sarpedon; finally they move away a little from Alcimedon (426-483). Hector, Aeneas, and others attack the
few Achaeans (519-710). Hera and Athena come from the Achilles' chariot to seize the noble horses and the
Olympus in aid of those who fought (711 -777). By aqueous fiercely support the momentum of those who
These words of Hera once again inflame the crowd; they also try to recover the body. Then Menelaus
but Diomedes advised and guided by Athena, wounds the implores new strength from Athena, and Apollo exhorts Hector
the same Ares (778-883) who immediately returns to Olympus with the approval of Zeus (484-596). Finally comes to
from the battlefield and there heals, following it as well less the Achaean force, and even Ajax Telamon himself,
the goddesses (864-909). trembles, under whose command Menelaus sends a messenger to
Achilles, and it is Antilochus, who announces the death of Patroclus.
and the defeats received, (597-701), and Menelaus himself along
with Merion supported by the company of the Ajax, dares
to take the corpse to the ships, getting among the
enemies who fought (702-761).
CANTO VI
CANTO VI CANTICLE XVIII
The soothsayer Heleno, when the Trojan army was in retreat, upon receiving the news of Patroclus' death, Achilles...
urges Hector to make a public sacrifice to surrender to despair and lamentations (1-34). Before
Athena in the fortress (1-101). Thus he, having these lamentations awakened Thetis, comes from the sea
resumed the fight quickly, marches to the city; with his cohort of Nereids to comfort his son; whom
combat, Diomedes and Glaucus, chief of the Lycians, when I see full of ambition to take revenge on Hector, although
heading to the place of the fight, before arriving at the that would have to be decided by fate, his desire differs
hands, having remembered the hospitality of his parents, for the last day, but he promises to bring him weapons
having made the change of weapons, they join their right hands (102-236). new ones fabricated by Hephaestus (35-137). Having returned
Hecuba and the other matrons, at the advice of Hector and of the Nereids to their mansion, Thetis hurries towards it
the Trojan heroes take the cloak to the temple of Athena and Olympus, while the battle over the body is renewed
They express their wishes for the salvation of the homeland (237-311). Patroclus would have finally remained in the power of
Meanwhile, Hector, at home, brings Paris back. Hector, unless Achilles had been advised by Hera to
rebuking him on the battlefield (312-368); to his terrorized the Trojans with his terrible appearance and voice and
wife Andromache, searched for her in vain in her rooms and I would have made them flee to the enemy walls (138-
He finally left the city through the Escea gate; the 231); meanwhile the Achaeans, having retrieved the body, it
he finds his son Astianacte and speaks to them for the last time they take them to Achilles' store, as night falls (232-242).
(369-502). Armed, Paris catches up with his brother on the way. The Trojans have a tumultuous assembly and Polydamas.
(503-529). he persuades them to take refuge within the walls, lest
let Achilles come to the ranks and finish them off; but this
prudent advice displeases Hector and the people (248-314).
The Trojans increase their vigilance at night with their
arms; the Achaeans and at their head Achilles, weep the
death of Patroclus, they embalm the corpse and place it in
the coffin (315-355). That same night, Thetis arrives at
Olympus where Zeus had just reprimanded his wife
because she helped Achilles and is received warmly in the
mansion of Hephaestus (356-427). For Hephaestus it was easy if he
they insisted on it, to make shields and all kinds of
weapons with their exquisite art (428-617).
CANTO VII CANTO XIX
Hector and Paris urge the Achaeans to return to the At sunrise, Thetis gives Achilles the armor that she had.
battle, fighting either with equal or better weapons (1- done by Hephaestus and he excites the alliance again for the
16); which, to be finally completed, in accordance war; for the body of Patroclus spills divine scents upon
with the design of Athena and Apollo, and the persuasion of end of what lasts incorruptible for the grave (1-39). Achilles,
Héleno may have been provoked, each with the greatest possible strength by gathering an assembly, forget his anger, and ask to continue the
on the part of Héctor for a hand-to-hand combat (17- war as soon as possible (40-73). For his part, Agamemnon
91). Agamemnon dissuades Menelaus, who appears happy and he confesses his mistake and once reconciled, he offers the gifts
confident while others hesitate (92-122); shortly thereafter promised through his legacy Odysseus; but
Instigated by Néstor, nine heroes come out to fight. forgetting them, perhaps with the intention of seeking revenge, urges to
whose fortunes are indicated by the event of Ajax Telamonian (123-205). begin the battle (74-153). Finally, he yields to Odysseus and
Hector and Ajax meet and fight fiercely, while below wait until you find yourself present to the one who was advising him while
the night separates these, equal in strength, having the troops were having breakfast and receiving before the assembly
given in turn gifts (206-312). At public banquets the gifts and to the daughter of Brises, cause of the discord to which
Néstor takes inventory of the bodies of the fallen that Agamemnon swore to return her intact through a sacrifice
they must be buried and the camps that must be fortified. expiatory (154-275). The gifts were transferred from a
When at the assembly of the Trojans, Paris responds to public place at Achilles' store where women
Antenor who says they must be returned to the owner, they wept for Patroclus and the hero himself laments again and
Helena along with her riches, adds that he does not he strongly refrains from tasting food, taking it the
no riches will return but an army will be added to them (276-339). Achilles is delighted by Athena, sent
the own (313-364). The next day Priam takes that from the sky; shortly after he puts on his new weapons,
response to the Achaeans and so that they may also be get in the car with Automedonte and known by another the destination
buried the bodies of the Trojans, he commands that it be done from their horses, marches to the line full of life (340-424).
a truce (365-420). After these events each
a band seeks to give burial to its own and at the same time
the Achaeans surround their naval base with a wall and ditches;
Poseidon admires these works with indignation in the
assembly of the gods (421-464). After dinner follows the night
threatening with its rays (465-482).
CANTO VIII CANTO XX
Zeus asks the gods called to assembly not to Both armies prepared and the gods called to the
assembly, Zeus allows each of them to assist
they present themselves in the battle against neither of the two towns, and
he is taken in his chariot to Mount Ida (1-52). From there any of the two that you wish so that it does not mature the
contemplate in the morning the armies that fight slaughter for the Trojans due to the cruelty of Achilles (1-30).
in dubious victory; after having weighed Thus they march to war, Hera, Athena, Poseidon, Hermes,
carefully your fortunes on the scale of destiny, and Hephaestus, to help the Achaeans; and Ares, Apollo, Artemis,
launching its terrible rays, it predicts death to the Latona, Janto, and Aphrodite, to the Trojans. The lands celebrate.
aqueous (53-77). Hera vainly asks her ally Poseidon to, with trembling and fear, the entrance of the gods (31-
let all kinds of help be set aside for them; after 74). Before the beginning of the battle, Phoebus stirs up Aeneas
Agamemnon returns, raising spirits and indicates that Zeus is against Achilles who threatened Hector. Meanwhile the
it has been shown favorable (78-250). The Achaeans, already some gods due to the persuasion of Poseidon are situated far away
so superior, repel the Trojans in a new of the fight (75-155). Several provocations follow the
I encounter, and Teucer wounds many of those with his battle of Achilles with Aeneas whom Poseidon frees for
arrows and in turn is wounded by Hector (251-334). Once in the middle of a cloud, for according to the oracles, it had
more, the Achaeans flee when Hera and Athena destined for a kingdom among the Trojans (156-352); Hector, who
They prepare to march to Troy to provide assistance; but Zeus is about to attack Achilles, he is rejected by Phoebus. Achilles
Having seen them from the mountain, he rejects them. he killed among other trojans Polydorus, son of Priam (353-
immediately through Iris (335-437). He himself, Having been about to avenge his brother's death, he
Having returned to Olympus, he sternly instructs Hector against Achilles, whom Phoebus also saves.
to the disobedient goddesses and even threatens the Achaeans by surrounding them with a cloud (419-454). Moved by pain
greater massacres for the following morning (438-484). Achilles attacks the other Trojans and fills the field with a
The battle ended due to the night and having terrifying ruin of dead and weapons (455-503).
the victorious Trojans held an assembly, they put
siege guards in the same place of the battle, and for
to prevent enemies from ambushes or navigation, they ignite
countless bonfires throughout the city and the countryside
(485-565).
CANTO IX CANTO XXI
Among the Achaeans, once the danger had passed, terrified and Achilles attacks the Trojans, heads towards the city and part
rejected for the moment, Agamemnon secretly summons to the Janto (the Scamander) and having dismembered
the chiefs whom the king indicates the determination to flee many in the river, preserves twelve defeated young people, to
and directing navigation during the night (1-38). Diomedes and the funeral rites of Patroclus (1-33). There he kills Lycaon,
Néstor is discouraged from this clumsy attempt (39-78). He son of Priam despite his pleas (34-135); then to
they light bonfires in the trenches of the camps, they Asteropeo, chief of the Paeonians along with others from that
prepare a dinner at Agamemnon's shop and then after the town, having freed himself from the raging unequal river
Cena is all about making peace with Achilles and force (136-210). The slaughter continued until Janto,
to attract him to the army (79-113). Agamemnon himself commanded obstructed by the number of corpses, feeling pity,
to say that if he yielded in his anger to the public need, he ordered that its course overflow against him. Barely did he
he promised to return Briseis intact and magnificent gifts Achilles was escaping when he had to jump again; but the
(114-161). Néstor sent several under these conditions. fury river submerged him in its waves and chased the one who
chosen, like Phoenix whom the father of Achilles had he was escaping again (211-271). He was already lacking the strength for that
made mentor in his youth, Ajax the Greater, Odysseus and two I struggled among the waves, but Poseidon and Athena seized them.
peace ambassadors (162-184). Achilles received they were increasing; then Janto, who was too irritated,
amicably to the legacies, but rejected all the he called Simóis to his aid, but Hera called Hephaestus who
promises of Agamemnon and the speeches, already the meticulous ones he burned the field and the river and not even the flames stopped him if not the
like the rough and smooth; furthermore, he held onto Phoenix and the same goddess would have increased (272-384). It began
he threatened that he would return shortly with him to the after personal battles between the other gods: Ares,
homeland (185-668). In this way, after Ajax and Athena, Aphrodite, Phoebus, Poseidon; Hera, Artemis; Hermes,
Odysseus announced such a painful resolution, Diomedes it Latona (385-513). After this, they return to Olympus.
confirms in all its seriousness the afflicted leaders and the gods, except Phoebus who went to Troy, while
exhorts to tenacity in the struggle (669-713). Achilles wreaked havoc across the field and the others
he pushed his fury into the city where
Priam ordered that the door be closed (514-543). So that
those were not decimated in the escape, Apollo stopped
Achilles introducing Agenor, and then himself.
disguised under the guise of Agenor, he deceived him by fleeing
and thus drove him away from the city (544-611).
CANTO X CANTO XXII
Chosen the watchers, Agamemnon in union with his brother Both armies had taken up a safe position in the
Menelaus calls Nestor and the other leaders and they take watch. field, when Héctor, being alone, stands in front of
with them before the pit (1-193). They make decisions there Achilles returning from chasing Phoebus. From the wall
same place where they had they wanted to stop Hector, his relatives who were crying
suffered the calamities and are sent as observers to desolate (1-89). Vainly, because to this one the modesty and to
Diomedes and Odysseus (194-271). Having advanced, they that affection prevented them from leaving the place; however,
somewhat, a bird of swift flight offered prosperous omen appearing to him as a god in the form of a man, made him flee
(272-298). At the same time, a certain Trojan had come out, Hector terrified. Achilles fiercely pursued him and gave
Dolón, who had learned of the Achaeans' decisions, three turns around the wall (90-166). Meanwhile
and incited by Hector's promises, was apprehended by Zeus, pitying Hector, weighed his fate in the
those who had advanced further towards the naval base (299- the scales and decreed his death. Phoebus abandoned him instantly and
381). Imploring for his life, he reported all the places Athena urged him to fight in the guise of his brother
from the camps and where Reso, the king of the Deífobo (l67-247). In this way, the heroes unite in
traced, but surprised by Diomedes was killed (382- single combat in which Athena is present, helping
They are now marching to the chambers of Reso, whom they had... Achilles mocks Hector with terrible deception (248-305).
heard arriving with her famous horses (465-503). Athena Finally, Achilles, at the height of the battle, he
warn the heroes not to delay any longer he pierces him with his spear, strips him of his weapons and
with the hope of obtaining too many loot; while insulting him and staining himself with disgrace, he insults the
yours and tied to his cart pulls it towards the naval base (306-
Thus Apollo incites the Thracians and the Trojans and sends them back.
to its camps (504-579). The whole city mourns the death of their beloved Hector and
their relatives bitterly shout from the wall and
Andromache is taken to her home (405-515).
CANTO XI CANTO XXIII
Armored Agamemnon with splendid weapons leads through the The Myrmidons leave their weapons around the coffin of
tomorrow to his troops to the combat lines; the same do Patroclus, going ahead of Achilles who shortly after them
Hector and the other princes of Troy (1-66). In the face of the unprecedented prepare the funeral feast. He himself dines before Agamemnon
the value of Agamemnon that incites the unknown crowd, and announces the funeral rites for the next day (1-58). To the
the Trojans are excited and a great battle begins (67-162). The the next night the image of appears to him during sleep
same Hector set apart by the mandate of Zeus until the Patroclus asks for just funerals (59-107). By mandate
city walls, avoid the anger of the enraged logs are taken from Agamemnon in the morning, it is presented
adversary, while he that leaves the fight badly body and the cavalry of Achilles disperse and of the
wounded (163-283). After this, Hector returns to fight and others; many victims sacrificed before him and the twelve
infuses his own a new value (284-309). Diomedes, young Trojans, the bonfire is made, it is lit and burns
Odysseus and Ajax return to the declining battle; but Diomedes with the breath of the Boreas and the Zephyr, while the body of
wounded by Paris he violently returns towards the ships Hector is prepared by Aphrodite and by Phoebus (108-225). To
(310 400); likewise Odysseus, wounded by Soco and that one dead, the next day they collect and take the bones to the urn
surrounded by the Trojans, he frees himself from the fight Patroclus so that they may be one day, according to the promise made,
helped by Menelaus and Ajax (401-488). Soon to Machaon and together with those of Achilles; a mound is also raised
Euripides is wounded by the arrows of Paris (489-596). Seeing improvised (226-256). Achilles adds in honor of the deceased,
Achilles to Macaon who was advancing in Nestor's chariot, competitions of various kinds in which prizes are awarded
he sent to Patroclus to acknowledge his presentation (596-617). gifts from the main Achaean leaders. In equestrian:
As soon as he recognized this one as Macaón and freed by Diomedes, Antilochus, Menelaus, Merion, Eumelus, and Nestor (257-
Néstor, in such a miserable death, asks him to either implore 650?
directly the help of Achilles in aid of the Achaeans or Telamon and Odysseus (700-739); in races: Odysseus and Ajax the
that he himself scares the enemies dressed with it smaller, as well as Antiloco (740-797); in competition of
the armament of Achilles (618-803). Upon his return, Patroclus injures with the arms: Diomedes and Ajax Telamonian (798-825); in disc:
dangerous Eurypylus and is healed in his tent (804 - Polypoetes (826-849); in arrows: Meriones and Teucer (850-
848). 883); and throwing darts: Agamemnon and Meriones (884-897).
CHANT XII CANTO XXIV
The Achaeans rejected against the walls (fact) After the games, the Achaeans indulge in dinner and
abominable to the gods; they themselves reject them behind sleep; Achilles remains awake and during the morning
from the same city), see that the Trojans are heading to the snatches the corpse of Hector tied to the chariot near the tomb
ships that are about to cross the moat (1-59). of Patroclus (1-18), this profanation repeated before the gods
Initially baffled by the difficulty of the moment, they descend. for several days, some feel pain about it, others feel joy;
of the cars by the advice of Polydamas and they run divided pitying Febo, who still kept the body intact,
in four groups (60-107). Asio dared to attack one of seriously complained to everyone (19-54), and for this, Zeus,
he got out of his car and was rejected by both calling Iris through Tethys, sends Achilles that
Lapitas with a great slaughter of their own (108-194). give up on so much cruelty and do not refuse to return the body
Polidamante interpreted adverse omens that did not intimidate those who want to redeem him; at the same time and for his
Hector in pursuing the enemies (195-250). These mandate, Iris urges Priam to pay the ransom of
although bothered by a stormy wind, they defend redemption, receive your son (55-186). These are carried out
your trenches with great strength, being in the first actions twelve days after Hector's death.
places the two Ajax (251-289). On the other hand, they enter Priam, during the night, like Hecuba and all
Sarpedon and Glaucus, who are opposed by Menestheus and are other Trojans collect precious gifts and carry them
called by him, Ajax the Greater and Teucer (290-377). They are a car driven by the herald Ideo and commands that it
wounded Epicles, the companion of Sarpedon and Glaucus by prepare another (187-282). Then, after making the libations and
Teucro; finally he is defeated on the battlement of the wall accepted the direct omen, they begin to walk the path
(378-399). The Achaeans fiercely attack the wall, open. Hermes arrives before Priam by order of Zeus,
for the part of the Licuians; Hector conjures the danger and covers theand he takes him to the store, serving as a lookout for him during that time
door with a huge stone and opens the way for his own dedicated to sleep (331-467). Achilles, easily defeated by
towards the ships (400-471). the king's pleas, receives the price of redemption, it
return the washed body, wrapped in robes and grant
eleven days of truce for burial and offering him honorable
he sends him to rest (468-676). At dawn of the day
next, leading them Hermes, Priam takes the body to
the city at whose sight all the Trojans left with
great lamentations; placed shortly after in the palace,
after the singers have performed, they cry
Andromache, Hecuba, and Helen (677-776). Made afterwards the
pira, the funeral and the banquet are celebrated (777-804).
Comentario
INTRODUCTION
This poem narrates the war in which the Achaeans (Greeks) won using a gigantic
wooden horse to deceive the Trojans. The story of the Iliad takes place in the tenth
year of the war against Troy and ends before the Achaeans build the horse with it
who wins the war.
The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It focuses on the conflict between the Greek hero Achilles and King Agamemnon, exploring themes of honor, pride, and the impact of war. The narrative intertwines the fates of gods and men, highlighting the struggles of various heroes and the consequences of their actions. The poem emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the search for glory amidst chaos.
Before starting with the summary of this heroic epic, it is important to determine
important aspects of the poem as well as the definition of its primary characters and
secondary
Author.
Homer, Greek Poet, it is not known where he was born; the most likely places are Chios and
Izmir; based on geographical references and dialectal elements, it seems that it originated from Asia.
minor. He is supposed to have lived in the 8th century BC or perhaps lived during the time of the Trojan War,
12th century B.C.
In ancient times, he was considered the author of the two great epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which
which nowadays seems somewhat doubtful.
The theory has been defended that there was not just one Homer but a whole series of 'Homerides.'
philosophers not only criticized Homer for allowing the gods many things
human, too human, but they also admired him: Aristotle, for example, did so.
he called "the most excellent poet of the serious style."
There are many legends about his life; some tell us that he was blind, a legend taken from
Hymn to Apollo, and others tell us about the poetic competition between Homer and Hesiod.
Surely he lived in the court of the princes and his social status was lower than that of his.
protectors; and it is most likely that he was humble, due to the observation of nature and of
the simple customs.
Literary genre
Heroic Epic.
Type of narration
The narrator presents himself as the third person singular, as if he were watching or
witnessing what truly (real) happens in history.
Time and Space.
The time in which what happens in the Iliad unfolds is in the 8th century B.C. of Christ;
In those times, the gods existed, they did and acted as they wanted.
Greek civilization. The space in which this develops is that of the Greek cities where
each had its respective king and prince including the queen, from the battlefields
to the very same cities or kingdoms.
Central Theme
The central theme of the work is the altercation between Achilles and Agamemnon, the leader of the troops.
Achaeans (Greeks) fighting against the Trojans.
Secondary Theme
1. The wrath of Achilles, describing the cause that produces it and the fearsome consequences that
imply. Thus, even the Trojan War becomes a scene in which develops the
Achilles' rage, the hero and main protagonist, becomes the thread that triggers
the entire plot of the work.
2. The flight of Helen with Paris, prince of Troy.
Physical and Psychological Environment
The war takes place on Trojan land near the mouth of the river Scamander.
subsequent events last 36 months. Thus, it is seen that from the beginning to the end the Iliad
covers a period of 10 years. The environment of that time in which history diluted into
a thousand legends and in which the human race had false concepts of life and death.
In terms of psychology, vengeance reigns, slavery, the law of the strongest, and contempt.
the defeated, which were the foundations of a society that lived in ignorance and in fear of
unknown.
Primary Characters
Achilles: Son of Thetis and Peleus, the strongest in the Iliad for his symbol of valor and
speed.
Helena: She is the woman for whom the Trojan War began. The goddess Aphrodite gave her to
Paris because the vote for Aphrodite, as the most beautiful goddess of Olympus, with this began the
war.
Paris: Second son of Priam and Hecuba, also called Alexander. He is the prince of Troy.
Hector's brother. Because of him, the war started. He robbed Helena and killed Achilles with help.
by Apollo.
Hector: Son of Priam and husband of Andromache. His brother Paris is the cause of the war and
Héctor fights for him.
Menelaus: King of Sparta and brother of Agamemnon.
Agamemnon: Son of Atreus, king of Mycenae and Argos, leader of the armies that besiege Troy.
Patroclus: Achilles' best friend, when he is killed, Achilles gets involved again in the
fight.
Aphrodite: Goddess of love, she supports the Trojans because she was the one who told Paris that she
will take Helena.
Supporting characters:
Ulysses: King of Ithaca, one of the main leaders of the Trojan War.
Apollo: God of poetry, of oracles, of the arts, also called Phoebus.
Ajax: There are two: one the son of Telamon and the other of Oileus.
Diomedes: King of the Argos.
Andromache: Wife of Hector and slave of Pyrrhus.
Néstor: King of Pilos, a city of ancient Greece.
Ares: God of war. He represents the spirit of war and usually helps the Trojans.
Athena: Goddess of wisdom and also of war, of the arts and feminine industries.
Hephaestus: Greek god of fire and metal.
Hera: Wife of Zeus. She supports the Achaeans because Paris said that Aphrodite was the most beautiful.
of the goddesses.
Poseidon: God of the sea.
Zeus: Father of the gods. He defeated the Titans and his father Cronos and Poseidon, Hades, and...
I stay with the sky and the earth.
Thetis: Mother of Achilles.
CHAPTER I: THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS.
Priam and Hecuba, kings of Troy, achieved their desire to have an heir whom they named Paris.
His fate was compromised by the strange dream his mother had, Hecuba dreamed that
she was giving birth to a torch with which she set Troy on fire. And in such a situation, they decided to consult.
to the gods who told him that 'the prince who is to be born will cause the fire of Troy'
and they advised that he be abandoned.
Thus, Priam ordered his servant to kill his son. His mother did not want her son to die.
and he hid it jealously, later entrusting it to the care of one of his shepherds who
they were grazing their flocks on Mount Ida.
Paris grew up and became a young man distinguished in beauty and strength who also had
musical skills their fame spread beyond the borders of the kingdom.
Time passed and a dispute arose in Olympus between Juno, Minerva, and Venus about which of
The three was the most beautiful. The litigation would grant possession to the winner of a golden apple.
destined for the most beautiful, whom the Goddess of Discord had thrown at the wedding of Thetis and
I fight. Not even Jupiter dared to choose when asked about what he chose for Paris.
so that he would be the judge.
Hermes, the messenger god of Olympus, was responsible for bringing the goddesses before Paris.
They appeared before him while he was grazing his flock, and Hermes gave him the apple and said to him.
explained what the contest was about. Each goddess tried to bribe Paris to obtain the
Victoria: Juno offered to make him sovereign of the world; Minerva promised the wisest and Venus
offered to give her true love Paris chose this last alternative, a decision that would end
triggering the Trojan War. Thus, the winner was Helen who became the
great protector and benefactor of Paris for the rest of her life fled to Troy with him
abandoning her kingdom and her husband Menelaus, while Juno and Minerva extremely
The resentful vowed revenge.
CHAPTER II: THE ANGER OF ACHILLES.
Before the walls of Troy, day after day, year after year, the Greeks remained in their
camps continually harassing the Trojans with their furious attacks, they
won was lost and vice versa.
Everything begins when the Greeks attacked Chrysa, a beautiful city that they plundered.
taking among the most prized treasures Chryseis, daughter of Chryses, a priest, her father
He offered beautiful jewels to Agamemnon to get his daughter back, but he refused.
Crisis distances herself and prays to God Apollo asking for the return of her daughter and a harsh punishment for the
Greeks, and Apollo shoots them with his silver bow.
This goes on for nine days and nine nights, which is why Achilles gets fed up and calls a meeting.
to know what is happening. A fortune teller tells them that Apollo is killing them because
Agamemnon did not return the priest's daughter. Achilles is angry because he believes he should return her.
and he begins to argue with Agamemnon.
In such a situation, Agamemnon agrees but decides to keep Briseis, Achilles' woman.
whom he loves tenderly. Achilles is angry because he has been fighting for Agamemnon for 10 years and already
he is fed up. Agamemnon does not retract and asks for Achilles' woman. Achilles almost kills him but
Jupiter intervenes. Then Nestor tries to calm things down but fails.
Agamemnon releases the maiden, Chryseis, and thus takes Achilles' woman. Achilles stops fighting.
Afterward, Achilles goes to the river to cry in silence and his mother, Thetis, the goddess of the sea, appears.
Realizing the offense that Agamemnon did to her son, Thetis asks him to intercede with the God.
Jupiter so that the Trojans win the war while Achilles is not fighting so that
Agamemnon asks him to return. Jupiter hesitates at first, but agrees because his wife, Hera,
he supports the Achaeans and enjoys making her angry.
CHAPTER III: THE COUNCIL.
Jupiter deceives Agamemnon by telling him in a dream that he must attack the Trojans. This reveals
he said to his men and exclaimed we will not fall for such a lie the Trojans will never fall
It will be better to return to our homeland through our hands, and he said this in order to prove to his...
men. The warriors are so happy with the decision that they decide to leave immediately. Upon hearing
this Juno tells Minerva that she must approach the army and speak gently to them in the ear to
to persuade them, Helena cannot remain unpunished. Ulysses also intervened, telling her to
Agamemnon would not abandon the land that would grant him glory.
Like, of course, how could it not be. Hera complains to Athena who convinces Odysseus to avoid.
let the men go. Odysseus gathers the men. Then a horrible guy, Thersites,
starts to complain, grumble, and disrespect Agamemnon. He tells everyone that he has already fought.
enough. But Néstor and Odysseus throw the guy and Odysseus hits him on the back with a scepter. The
men get excited and prepare to fight. The leaders depart and ask Zeus to
they help in the battle without knowing that Zeus is not going to help them. The rest of the book describes the HUGE
Achaean army. Homer makes a series of comparisons between the Achaean army and things from the
nature like beehives and wildflowers. Then it mentions each ship of the
aqueous and says who goes in them. It is not very important and it is very boring. Homer describes
after the army of the Trojans... They don't seem to have many people.
• Jupiter sent a dream to Agamemnon where he told him to take the city of Troy.
• Agamemnon did not believe and asked his men to return to their homeland.
• Odysseus told the Achaeans not to flee.
• After Tersites argued with Agamemnon, Odysseus scolds and hits him.
• Agamemnon orders the Achaeans to arm themselves after Odysseus and Nestor convince him.
• The attracted one summoned the best leaders, they killed a bull and ate it.
• Agamemnon sent word to the Achaean people to join the battle.
• The army was organized but Achilles remained on a ship because he was angry.