How Did Zeus Support The Trojan War

Thetis, goddess of the sea, greatly impacts the events of the war through convincing Zeus to support the Trojans so that Achilleus’ honor may be restored as he saves the Achaians from doom. Through the agreement made between Zeus and Thetis in book one, Zeus would support the Trojans in the war until they drive the Achaians to their ships. At this point, Zeus stops supporting the Trojan army and Achilleus joins the battle; appearing to be the saving grace for the Argives, bestowing great honor upon him. One problem with this agreement, though, is that Hera, Athene, and others who support the Greeks will intervene in battle and go against the intentions of the plan. Realizing that divine intervention of both sides is not getting anybody anywhere, Zeus cuts off other immortals from engaging in war and begins to fulfil his agreement. In doing so, the Achaians begin to fall back, many dying, until the retreat to their ships; just as Achilleus wished for. However, just prior to the agreement being fulfilled, Patroklos goes out to the fighting. In doing so, Patroklos kills Sarpedon, the son of Zeus,

Though the initial agreement already ensures this would occur, the death of Patroklos further enhances Achilleus’ success in battle, ultimately resulting in the death of Hektor. If it were not for the initial agreement between Thetis and Zeus, the probability of Patroklos dying would be significantly smaller. Thus, Thetis impacts the course of the war in the aspect that she not only is responsible for Zeus favoring the Trojans, but because she is responsible for Achilleus’ actions after the death of Patroklos. Had not the initial agreement taken place, Patroklos would have most likely survived, and Achilleus would have not killed as many Trojans, including Hektor, as he