Homer is an indefinite figure of mystery, a halo in a dark shadow. Homer was a Greek poet, accredited with writing The Illiad, The Odyssey, and a few other works of literature. His epic poems were broken down into books to make easier to memorize, since he would recite the whole poem in one day,...

Who is Odysseus, the protagonist of the Homeric Epic, The Odyssey? From the Illiad, Odysseus is known as the brave and cunning soldier who helped topple the Trojan empire. Yet, in the Odyssey, Odysseus is shown to be a more vulnerable, and thus, more reliable character. Through two specific relat...

After King Agamemnon admits the errors of his ways he sends Phoenix, Ajax, Odysseus, Odius and Eurybates on their way to sway the mighty Achilles to fight. They find the mighty Achilles in the Myrmidon shelters playing his lyre singing of famous deeds and heroes. With Odysseus in the lead they appro...

In book VI, Hector returns to battle despite the pleas of those he loves. Compare Hectors behavior with Achilles' refusal to fight after he has been shamed. Both are heroes. What is heroic about each decision? Do you approve of one more than the other? Why? If so, what values do they have th...

"The Iliad" by Homer tells the story of the complex Trojan War. Homer introduces many characters and key figures but the two most prevalent are the warrior Achilles and the statesman Odysseus. These two emerge as Hero's in the Iliad and their adventure is well documented. Achilles and Odysseus ha...

The Iliad Authors find different ways to make their works more effective. Homer does this same thing in the Iliad. Homer uses a common characteristic, but not so common literary device, time, to make his work stand out. In the process of writing, Homer chooses to manipulate time in some are...