The Iliad

The Iliad starts nine years into the Trojan War, the Greeks morale is low as they have been unable to get into the city.

Book I
"This book is about the rage of Achilles"
A plague has been sent to the Greek forces by Apollo, angered by Agamemnon's rejection of Apollo's priest Chryses. The priest had requested the return of his daughter, Chryseis, who Agamemnon had taken as bounty. Despite the advice of his troops and the offer of a generous ransom, Agamemnon had insulted the priest and sent him away. The priest begged Apollo to punish the Greeks, and the god sent the plague.

Achilles called an assembly, during which he encouraged Agamemnon to either consult a prophet or give up and sail home. Calchas came forward to speak after Achilles promised him protection, describing why Apollo was angry, telling Agamemnon to return the girl. Agamemnon was furious, not willing to give up his prize, he only agreed to return Choruses if he took Achilles girl, Briseis. Achilles is furious, and is only restrained from attacking Agamemnon by Athene.

Nestor begs the two heroes to be reasonable, advising Agamemnon to give up his prize and Achilles not to fight a battle he cannot win. They do not listen however, Agamemnon sends Talthybius and Eurybates reluctantly take Briseis.

Achilles' mother, Thetis, heard his cries of despair and came to him. He begs her to call in a favour Zeus owes her and ask him to help the Trojans fight back the Greeks. Thetis reminds him of his destiny, that if he lives a glorious life he will die young, but if he leads an unremarkable life he will live to a great age. She tells him to wait until she can speak to Zeus in twelve days.

Odysseus meanwhile takes Chryseis back to her father on the island where he lives where the crew of the ship stayed for a feast and sacrifices to Apollo.

On the twelfth day Thetis asks Zeus to aid the Trojans so that the Greeks will realise how much they need Achilles. He reluctantly agrees, unwilling to upset Hera. His wife however sees Thetis leaving and demands Zeus tells her what is happening. Zeus is angered and refuses to tell her, threatening violence. On Hephaestos' encouragement she apologises to Zeus, and the gods feast.

Book II
Zeus sends a false dream to Agamemnon telling him he can take Troy. He decides to test his men by telling them the opposite, but the men panic and run to the ships. However Odysseus manages to persuade them to return.

There is a council of the leaders, where Thersites is introduced, but everyone hates him because he is so ugly. Odysseus fights him after he insults Agamemnon and moral is restored. Nestor persuades Agamemnon to parade his troops and there is a catalogue of the forces, captains and ships.

Book III
The Greeks and Trojans meet on the Trojan plains. Paris challenges Menelaus to single combat, but while preparing Hector scolds his brother. Paris then suggests that they call a truce in the war, and decide the victor by duelling. Hector sends the rest of the Trojans to stand on the walls, where they are joined by Helen, who points out the most notable Greeks. In the duel, Menelaus defeats Paris, who is rescued by Aphrodite.

IV
There is a council of the gods on Olympus and Zeus proposes that they uphold the truce and declare the Greeks victorious. They eventually decide that this is not a good idea and arrange for the truce to be broken. Athene disguises herself and persuades Pandarus (a Trojan) to shoot Menelaus with an arrow, wounding him. The truce is broken and the armies fight again.

V
Diomedes distinguishes himself in battle, inspired by Athene he drives the Trojans before him even after being wounded by an arrow by Pandarus. Athene allows him to recognise the gods and fight Aphrodite, who he wounds. He kills Pandarus and wounds Æneas who is then rescued by Aphrodite. Apollo and Ares help the Trojans and Diomedes retreats to the ships. Athene rebukes Diomedes, and together they wound Ares.