The Iliad: Homer’s Epic of War and Humanity

Marcelo Serafim
Aug 26
4 min read

The Iliad, attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, is one of the foundational works of Western literature. Composed around the 8th century BCE, this epic poem recounts a crucial episode in the Trojan War. Rather than covering the entire war, the Iliad focuses specifically on a few weeks during the tenth and final year of the conflict. Its themes—rage, honor, mortality, and the consequences of human choices—remain deeply relevant today.

At the heart of the poem is Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior. His anger against Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek forces, after being dishonored sparks a chain of tragic events. By refusing to fight, Achilles causes great losses for the Greeks. Only after the death of his beloved friend Patroclus does Achilles return to the battlefield, where his wrath devastates the Trojans and culminates in the killing of Hector, Troy’s noblest hero.

The Iliad is not merely a tale of war. It is a profound exploration of human emotions—anger, pride, grief, and compassion. The poem closes not with victory but with reconciliation, as Achilles returns Hector’s body to King Priam, Hector’s father, in a deeply moving moment of shared humanity between enemies. This ending highlights Homer’s understanding that even in the midst of brutality, empathy is possible.

From a literary perspective, the Iliad set the foundation for Western storytelling. Its vivid descriptions of battles, speeches, and divine interventions influenced later epics, dramas, and even modern novels. The gods in the poem intervene constantly in human affairs, reflecting the ancient worldview that fate and divine will are inseparable from human life.

In the real world, the Iliad has inspired discussions about the futility of war. Just as Achilles’ rage leads to unnecessary suffering, modern critics argue that pride and political egos often drive nations into conflicts with devastating human costs. The senseless destruction described in the poem parallels 20th- and 21st-century wars, from the trenches of World War I to the modern Middle East, where ordinary people suffer while leaders pursue power.

Another parallel lies in the theme of honor. In the Iliad, warriors fight not only for survival but for kleos—glory and reputation. Today, this can be compared to nationalism, where nations seek prestige on the global stage. The sacrifices of soldiers are often framed in terms of honor and legacy, echoing Homer’s depiction of heroism.

The Iliad also critiques leadership. Agamemnon, though powerful, makes decisions that harm his own army due to arrogance. This resonates with modern criticisms of political and corporate leaders whose pride or greed leads to crises. The epic reminds us that poor leadership can bring ruin not only to individuals but to entire communities.

Equally important is the poem’s meditation on mortality. Even mighty Achilles cannot escape death. Homer emphasizes that human greatness is always temporary, a lesson echoed in our contemporary reflections on the fragility of life, whether through war, disease, or natural disaster.

In summary, the Iliad is more than an ancient war story. It is a timeless reflection on the destructive power of rage, the importance of empathy, and the inevitability of mortality. Its lessons remain urgent: unchecked pride and anger lead to tragedy, but compassion and understanding offer paths to reconciliation.

By studying Homer’s epic, we learn not only about ancient Greek culture but also about ourselves. The Iliad continues to remind us that while human conflicts change form, the emotions and struggles behind them remain constant.

Questions

Why does Achilles refuse to fight at the beginning of the Iliad?
How does the death of Patroclus influence Achilles’ actions?
In what ways does the poem criticize leadership through Agamemnon’s behavior?
How does the reconciliation between Achilles and Priam shape the message of the epic?
What parallels can be drawn between the Iliad and modern wars?

Vocabulary (10 Difficult Words)

Epic – A long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds.
Kleos – Ancient Greek concept of glory or fame achieved through great deeds.
Reconciliation – The restoration of friendly relations after conflict.
Mortality – The condition of being subject to death.
Wrath – Intense anger, often destructive.
Arrogance – Overbearing pride or self-importance.
Tragedy – A serious drama dealing with human suffering.
Divine – Related to the gods or the heavens.
Compassion – Sympathetic concern for others’ suffering.
Legacy – Something handed down from the past, such as reputation or achievement.

Phrasal Verb: Carry on

Meaning: To continue doing something despite difficulties or interruptions.
Examples:
- Despite the war, life had to carry on.
- Achilles could not simply carry on without Patroclus.

American Idiom: A chip on your shoulder

Meaning: Holding onto anger or resentment, often from feeling wronged.
Example: Like Achilles in the Iliad, some leaders go to war with a chip on their shoulder, driven more by pride than necessity.

English Grammar Tip: Use of the Definite Article “The” with Titles

When referring to works like The Iliad, the article “the” is part of the title and must always be capitalized and included.

Correct: I studied The Iliad in school.
Incorrect: I studied Iliad in school.

Listening

Homework Proposal

Write a short essay (2–3 pages) analyzing one modern conflict (e.g., World War I, Vietnam War, or a recent geopolitical conflict) through the themes of The Iliad. Focus on parallels such as leadership, honor, or the human cost of pride. Use at least two direct references to Homer’s epic to support your arguments.

Would you like me to also make a student-friendly worksheet version of this (with spaces for answers and simplified explanations), or do you prefer it in this article format only?