Epic of Homer

 

What is the role played by divine powers in Homer's epic The Iliad?

 

Ans. The epic story of The Iliad centres round the wrath of Achilles, the son of the mortal Peleus and sea goddess Thetis. The story ends in its terrible consequences at the siege of Ilium.

 The story begins with the apple of discord that Paris handed over to Aphrodite ignoring Hera and Athene. Thereafter we find that gods and goddesses are playing significant roles. They side with their favourites to help them in the battlefield. Often they behave like ordinary human beings and diversify the main action by introducing comedy.

 

The quarrels between Agamemnon and Achilles, between Zeus and Hera are presented almost in a lighter vein. Strangely enough the absurd deities of the gods are almost a counter point to the seriousness of what is happening in the mortal world.

 

The divine machinery often controls the passion of the mortals. For instance Athene pacifies the anger of Achilles against Agamemnon. Again she persuades foolish Pandarus to reactivate hostilities.

 

The gods divide themselves between the Greeks and the Trojans. The most vital role in the entire episode is played by Zeus. His interference controls the actions. Lastly the Greek sense of fate and its workings find their fullest expression.