The Iliad (Part I)
Goddess, sing of the wrath of Achilles, the son of Peleus, which brought countless sufferings upon the Achaeans and hurled into Hades many strong and determined souls of Heroes, causing them to become the prey of dogs and all kinds of birds.
Thus, the will of Zeus was fulfilled.
From the first quarrels which divided Agamemnon, son of Atreus and lord of men, and glorious Achilles,
Which of The Gods was it who brought them together to fight in strife?
Apollo, the son of Leto and Zeus, for he was provoked to anger by the king and thus brought forth a vile disease to spread throughout the Achaean army, thus destroying the soldiers for the sake of his priest Chryses, who was dishonoured by the son of Atreus.
Homer, The Iliad
How war ignites.
Who truly is the Goddess?
Why sing?
Why was Achilles so angry?
Why did Achilles let his anger cause ruthless suffering among the Greeks?
Why were the Greek Heroes hurled into Hades?
Why does the will of Zeus need to be fulfilled?
What quarrel divided King Agamemnon and his greatest warrior, Achilles?
Why are their fathers named?
Why did Agamemnon provoke Apollo, leading the god to bring harsh suffering upon the Greeks?
Heroes and Immortality. Love and Beauty.
Note from the editor of Classical Philosophy