The Iliad
by Homer
The Iliad is an epic poem in dactylic hexameters, traditionally attributed to Homer. Set in the Trojan War, the ten-year siege of Ilium by a coalition of Greek states, it tells of the battles and events during the weeks of a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. Although the story covers only a few weeks in the final year of the war, the Iliad mentions or alludes to many of the Greek legends about the siege.
Source: Homer. (1899). The Iliad. Boston, MA; B.H. Stanton.
- Introduction
- Introduction by Theodore Buckley
- Pope's Introduction to the Iliad of Homer
- Alexander Pope's introduction to the work.
- Book 1: The Contention of Achilles and Agamemnon
- The story of Achilles and Agamemnon is told. The Gods nearly come to blows as a result of mortal conflict.
- Book 2: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces
- Zeus, keeping his promise to the Trojans, sends a false dream to Agamemnon.
- Book 3: The Duel of Menelaus and Paris
- The Trojans and Achaeans come to an agreement in an attempt to establish peace. Paris and Menelaus face each other in battle, but outside forces intervene on the outcome.
- Book 4: The Breach of the Truce, and the First Battle
- The gods continue to argue amongst themselves while interfering with the lives of mortals.
- Book 5: The Acts of Diomed
- Athena's gift to Diomedes has dire consequences for Pandarus. Diomedes breaks his agreement with a goddess.
- Book 6: The Episodes of Glaucus and Diomed, and of Hector and Andromache
- The Achaeans once again have the upper hand. Hector and Paris prepare to re-enter the field of battle.
- Book 7: The Single Combat of Hector and Ajax
- Hector presents a challenge to the Achaean line. Ajax and Hector engage in battle until Zeus intervenes.
- Book 8: The Second Battle, and the Distress of the Greeks
- Zeus issues an order to the gods. The Trojans and Greeks continue to battle.
- Book 9: The Embassy to Achilles
- With certain defeat looming over the Greeks, Agamemnon presents an offer to Achilles.
- Book 10: The Night-Adventure of Diomed and Ulysses
- Both the Trojans and Greeks devise plans to spy on one another. However, only the Greeks are successful.
- Book 11: The Third Battle, and the Acts of Agamemnon
- Zeus fills the Achaeans with fear before sending an important message to Hector. Odysseus Diomedes inspire the Achaeans fight courageously.
- Book 12: The Battle at the Grecian Wall
- Hector charges the Greek ramparts, pushing the Achaeans back to their ships.
- Book 13: The Fourth Battle Continued, in which Neptune Assists the Greeks; The Acts of Idomeneus
- With Zeus absent from the field of battle, Poseidon gives some much needed assistance to the Greeks.
- Book 14: Juno Deceives Jupiter by the Girdle of Venus
- Poseidon continues to encourage Agamemnon and the Achaean army. Hera devises a plan to further assist the battered Achaeans.
- Book 15: The Fifth Battle at the Ships; and the Acts of Ajax
- Zeus wakes to view the aftermath of Hera and Poseidon's meddling. Led by Hector, the Trojans continue their advance.
- Book 16: The Sixth Battle, the Acts and Death of Patroclus
- Patroclus asks a favor of Achilles, who is still absent from the battle. Patroclus is slain, but not before telling Hector of his own dire fate.
- Book 17: The Seventh Battle, For the Body of Patroclus—The Acts of Menelaus
- The Trojans and Greeks fight over Patroclus' body.
- Book 18: The Grief of Achilles, and New Armour made him by Vulcan
- Achilles is told of Patroclus' death. Patroclus' body is prepared for burial, while Achilles plots his revenge against Hector.
- Book 19: The Reconciliation of Achilles an Agamemnon
- Achilles heads to battle, having received his new armor from Hephaestus.
- Book 20: The Battle of the Gods, and the Acts of Achilles
- News of Achilles entrance into the field of battle prompts Zeus to remove his injunction.
- Book 21: The Battle in the River Scamander
- Achilles takes no mercy on the Trojans, as he takes his vengeance for the slain patroclus.
- Book 22: The Death of Hector
- Achilles and Hector finally meet on the field of battle.
- Book 23: Funeral Games in Honour of Patroclus
- Patroclus appears to Achilles in a dream. Following the burial, a series of games is held in Patroclus' honor.
- Book 24: The Redemption of the Body of Hector
- With some assistance from the gods, Priam retrieves the body of Hector.
- Concluding Note
- Pope's concluding notes.