The Iliad

Homer

Summary

"The Iliad" by Homer is an ancient Greek epic poem composed around the late 8th or early 7th century BC. Set during the final weeks of the ten-year Trojan War, it follows the devastating anger of Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, sparked by a bitter quarrel with King Agamemnon. As Achilles withdraws from battle, the conflict escalates toward the death of Troy's noble prince Hector. With gods intervening on the battlefield and heroes clashing in combat, this foundational work of European literature explores glory, fate, wrath, and the brutal realities of war. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Subjects

• Achilles (Mythological character)
• Epic poetry, Greek — Translations into English
• Trojan War

Bookshelves

• Classics of Literature
• Mythology, Legends & Folklore
• Poetry
• Classical Antiquity

Translators