Divine Intervention In The Iliad

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Divine Intervention of The Iliad

The Iliad is an epic novel about the war between the Greeks and Trojans that has many instances of the Greek Gods impacting the war in favor of one side or the other. While it seems like they have all-powerful powers like immortals should, many of the arguments they get in amongst themselves demonstrate their humanity. I believe Homer’s intent in this epic is to portray a theme of role-reversal, where the warriors are more like the gods and the gods are more like the warriors. This is evident in a most conspicuous way between Zeus and Hera when they recite sexual innuendos to each other and Zeus openly admits to adultery, also when Hera designs cunning plans to aid the Greeks in battle without Zeus’ consent.

Hera and Zeus are two of the most powerful Gods from Ancient Greece, but Homer’s image of them in this epic was completely bewildering to me because of the unconventional expression and actions that occur between them. There were many times Hera used conniving ploys to help the Greeks without the permission of her husband, Zeus. Hera seducing her husband with Sleep’s utilities was a scene in which her actions would make the previous assertion more concrete. The scheme by Hera that had the most profound effect on the plot was when she motivated Achilles to fight and defeat the Trojans. When Zeus became aware of this he said, “So you have had your way, my ox-eyed lady. You have roused Achilles, swift of foot. Truly, the long-haired Greeks must be from your wound (Iliad, 366).” This scene is monumental because Zeus was trying his hardest to keep the war balanced, but the sly actions of Hera will now favor the Trojans presently, and more importantly, ultimately...

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...to engage the enemy (Iliad, 204)”. This quote exemplifies how Zeus favors the Trojans, and thus how the Achaeans realize that in fighting the Trojans they pit themselves against the king of the gods, Zeus. The favoritism of Zeus allows Hector and the Trojan army to dismantle the Greek forces and consequently make significant progress in the war, until Hector’s helmet is hit by a spear and causes concern, almost causing a retreat.

The imbalanced relationship of Zeus and Hera result in a Greek victory because of Hera’s ploys for Trojan failure. The corruption among the Gods, particularly Aphrodite, causes many mortals to be influenced either positively or negatively while fighting. Homer’s vision when creating this epic work was to praise the warriors over the Gods so he would change the common conception of the immortals in ancient Greece.

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