The Illad

by Homer

Genres: Greek Mythology, Mythology, Classics

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1985

About the author

Homer (Greek: Όμηρος born c. 8th century BC) was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history.
Homer's Iliad centers on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the last year of the Trojan War. The Odyssey chronicles the ten-year journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, back to his home after the fall of Troy. The poems are in Homeric Greek, also known as Epic Greek, a literary language which shows a mixture of features of the Ionic and Aeolic dialects from different centuries; the predominant influence is Eastern Ionic. Most researchers believe that the poems were originally transmitted orally. Despite being predominantly known for its tragic and serious themes, the Homeric poems also contain instances of comedy and laughter.
Homer's epic poems shaped aspects of ancient Greek culture and education, fostering ideals of heroism, glory, and honor. To Plato, Homer was simply the one who "has taught Greece" (τὴν Ἑλλάδα πεπαίδευκεν). In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Virgil refers to Homer as "Poet sovereign", king of all poets; in the preface to his translation of the Iliad, Alexander Pope acknowledges that Homer has always been considered the "greatest of poets". From antiquity to the present day, Homeric epics have inspired many famous works of literature, music, art, and film.
The question of by whom, when, where and under what circumstances the Iliad and Odyssey were composed continues to be debated. Scholars remain divided as to whether the two works are the product of a single author. It is thought that the poems were composed at some point around the late eighth or early seventh century BC. Many accounts of Homer's life circulated in classical antiquity; the most widespread account was that he was a blind bard from Ionia, a region of central coastal Anatolia in present-day Turkey. Modern scholars consider these accounts legendary.

French: Homère, Italian: Omero, Portuguese, Spanish: Homero.

Reviews

[✮⋆˙ ronnie ⋆⭒˚.⋆]

just like to revisit it every once in a while to be reminded that in some translations Achilles is a red head 🤪🤪🤪 slayyyy ginger king literally slayyyyy

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first full read in a while, and while I was initially intimidated by the ancient storyline and dialogue, a good translation honestly does the trick. It was fascinating to see how many tropes from this story are still used today, and I was pretty surprised by the interactions with the Greek pantheon throughout.

I read this with some friends, which I definitely recommend. It helped keep the interest going, especially since there are a few points in the story that linger a little too long. But when the action hits, it’s incredible. The detail is used really well, and overall, I really enjoyed the story.

Read this book! I think you’ll actually appreciate other things you read even more because of it and start noticing just how influential this story has been.

Also, I listened to a good portion of this on Audible, and Alfred Molina’s narration (yes, the guy who played Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2) was top tier!

[Fish Food · Rating 1 out of 5]

fart noise

[Alexandra Grande]

yall she long and hard to read

[Jarrad Hodge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah. Got rid of the classic. Wasn’t as much depth as I would have liked but solid.

[John Grindey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now know why this is seen as one of the most important stories in the world. The poetic creativity by Homer was truly captivating and had a way of keeping me engaged. I unconsciously found myself making parallels to other stories I have before. For one, Laertes is the name of Hamlet's foe, or the idea of calling on Achilles, the best hero, to come help win the fight. I thought of West Side Story and the Jets begging Tony to help fight. Although a stretch of a comparison, it is uncanny how many modern day stories come from this. In this reflection, I wanted to share some gut reactions, as well as themes I began to see throughout the story.

Gut Reaction(s):

For one, this story is extremely violent and I was not anticipating that. The fighting itself was not overbearing, as there was no bombs or automatic rifles - but the way Homer described the death was often gruesome and vivid. Hector being dragged on the Chariot, or people's guts literally falling out are two examples that the reader cannot avoid. It is very precise and detailed, and there is no doubt in my mind that Homer must to have had a very keen sense of imagery and creativity. It reminds me of Flannery O'Conner and her somewhat repulsive descriptions of things.

Secondly, this is just a pretty kick ass story. It is full of heroes and heartbreak. I imagine a little boy hearing this story for this first time from his parents, and how captivating it must to have been. I had no idea who to root for at times. Part of me wanted Achilles to win the whole time, but I also thought he was a bit whiney and annoying. I respected Hector and the way he wanted to protect and provide for his wife, but more importantly Troy. However, the Gods really began to piss me off. I mean, do the mortals even have a chance?? Apollo and Athena would just swoop in and ruin the fun. Hera was trying her best, but Zeus was just all powerful and nothing could get through him. I found myself bitter towards the Gods...but maybe that's because I too am a mortal :)

Lastly, I remember I kept revisiting the importance of Helen. So you are telling me this whole war happened because Paris took Helen? She really must be something...
The idea of women in this story was a bit unnerving as a lot of them were slaves or the "trophies" of winning a battle. It seems as if they were passed around. Now I am not going to be that guy to write an article about the misogynistic tones of the Illiad, but I can't help but admit it did rub me wrong a couple of times.

Themes:

I want to focus on three main themes:
1. Hunter vs Prey
2. The Body
3. Fate

1. The epic simile's in this story were truly incredible. They were so well thought out and beautifully presented. The idea of Hunter vs Prey was almost repetitive. There was much talk of a lion and the sheep. The wicked intruder predator and helpless prey. I think this was a wonderful and almost chilling explanation as I began to realize the severity of these fighter's attitudes. Their brute force and true aggression jumped off the page. Its as if explaining a human's anger does not do justice; we have to compare them to a slobbery lion ready to kill. It packs a bigger punch in my opinion - and I thought flowed very appropriately throughout the story.

2. I could not help but think about how the Greeks would of had to of had a really deep understanding of human biology, or almost a fixation on it. Most of the deaths in this story there was mention of guts or bowels, creating an almost gross image of their body. It is not enough to say "blood came gushing out", it was as if Homer had to remind us where the blood even came from. Maybe he was being satirical and poetic? It definitely made me gasp at times as a reader, almost like a jump scare. Maybe that was Homer's intention...well, it worked on me thats for sure.

3. I know there have been many people who have discussed this topic, I wanted to share my initial thoughts. As mentioned above, I was very frustrated with what I felt the God's were interfering with the battle. However, as the character development continued I realized there was a sense of acceptance the mortals had. I felt like I was entering into a world in which everyone understood that this is how it was. There are Gods. There are mortals...good luck. I think part of the story is accepting your fate, and then coming to peace. I think peace and mercy were two themes that is at the heart of what I want to take away from this book. Priam towards the end I think felt a sense of peace towards his son's fate. Achilles felt real anger, resentment, and grief. However, with the help of his mother - he had a sense of acceptance. This is a bit of a knee jerk reflection, but I believe it has some merit to it.

Personal Reflection: I am so happy I listened to this story. I found myself super involved with each of the characters, and I am forever grateful for that. As a Catholic, it is impossible for me to take those glasses off. I can't help but compare Achilles's anger to my own. How often do I feel that sense of rage? In talking to my Dad, he brought up a good point - fate vs faith. I don't live in this world, but I experience grief, anger, rage, violence, and pain. However, I have the gift of faith. My experience with the God I believe in which is inherently juxtaposing these character's experience is that my higher power (God) I know has a good plan for me. I would be open to comparing Divine Providence with "fate" - but I have a confidence of goodness. Not to get too into the weeds, but the Incarnation and Jesus Christ is so beautiful and important to this understanding. I know have a relationship with God (Christ) and I know his will for me. I look at the cross to see that answer. There is a unique transition that I can only imagine would've been so extraordinary and different as Christianity began to grow.

As I said previously, these are very knee jerk reactional thoughts, but I am excited to explore the plethora of work and commentary that I know exists on this wonderful story.

Favorite Character: Antilochus. He was so competitive and he reminded me of myself

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ground is dark with blood.

With many books, translations are negligible, with two obvious exceptions, one is the Bible, and surprisingly the other is The Iliad. Each translation can give a different insight and feel to the story. Everyone will have a favorite. I have several.

There are partial translations that are worth reading but as with any abridgment or incomplete Iliad, you will never know what is missing.

For example:

“I Thee beseech, O Goddess milde, the hateful hate to plaine”
- Translated by Arthur Hall, 1581

“Achilles Peleus Son's destructive Rage. Great Goddess, sing”
- Translated by John Ogilby, 1669

“THE wrath of the son of Peleus, —O goddess of song, unfold! The deadly wrath of Achilles”
- Translated by James Macpherson, 1773

“Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus' son”
- Translated by Ernest Myers, 1883

“Sing, O Goddess, the ruinous wrath of Achilles, Son of Peleus”
- Translated by Ennis Rees, 1963

Unrhymed English Meter
- Translated by F.W. Newman, 1856

“Wrath be thy song, O goddess, the baneful wrath of Achilles,
Peleus’ son, which brought the Achaians numberless sorrows;
Hurling the valiant souls of heroes many to Hades,
Whilst their bodies were left for a prey unto dogs, and winged.
Fowls of the air. Yet thus the will of Zeus was advancing,
E’em from the hour when first, contending fiercely, in anger
Parted Atreides, king of men, and god-like Achilles.”
The Iliad, I-IV into English hexameters. Ninety-three pages
- Translated by Henry Smith Wright, 1885

Martin Hammond
James Inglis Cochrane, 1876
John Arthur Platt, before 1923
Michael Reck 1994 (Michael Pierce Reck)
Alston Hurd Chase and William G. Perry Jr. (prose) (1950)
F.W. Newman 1856 (Unrhymed English Meter)
Ichabod Charles Wright (vol. 1, 1859; vol. 2 was to appear in 1865)
Augustus Taber Murray for the Loeb Classical Library (1924)

There is a revised and updated version by D. Christopher H. Rieu or D.C.H. Rieu – son of E.V. Rieu

“The wrath of Achilles is my theme, the fatal wrath which, in fulfillment of the will of Zeus, brought the Achaeans so much suffering and sent the gallant souls of many noblemen to Hadês, leaving their bodies as carrion for dogs and passing birds. Let us begin, goddesses of song with the angry parting that took place between Agamemnon King of Men and the great Achilles son of Peleus. Which of the gods was it that made them quarrel?”
- Translated by E.V. Rieu, 1950 prose version.

“O Goddess sing what woe the discontent
Of Thetis' Son brought to the Greeks, what Souls
Of Heroes down to Erebus it sent,
Leaving their bodies unto Dogs and Fowls;
Whilst the two Princes of the Army stove,
King Agamemnon and Achilles stout.
That so it should be the will of Jove,
But who has he that made them first fall out?
Apollo, who incensed the wrong”
- Translated by Thomas Hobbes, 1686

“O Goddess, sing Pelides Achilles’ baneful ire,
Which brought on the Achaians ten thousand sorrows dire,
And many strong souls of heroes sent down to Hades’ sway;
Themselves to all the birds and dogs became a prey,
Since first, in anger parting (it was the will of Jove),
The king of men, Atrides, and divine Achilles strove.”
- Translated by Edgar Alfred Tibbetts Boston 1907


“Sing, Devine Muse, sing the implacable wrath of Achilleus!
Heavy with Death and with woe to the banded sons of Achaia!
Many the souls of the mighty, the souls of redoubtable heroes,
Hurried by it prematurely to Hades. The vultures and wild-dogs
Tore their tombless limbs. Yet thus did the will of the Highest
Work to an end from the day when strive drove asunder,
Atreus’ son, king of men; and the Godlike leader Achileus.”
- Translated by Joseph Henry Dart, 1862 (English Hexameter verse)

“The wrath sing, goddess, of Peleus’ son, Achilles, that destructive wrath which brought countless woes upon the Achaeans, and sent forth to Hades many valiant souls of heroes, and made them themselves spoil for dogs and every bird; thus, the plan of Zeus came to fulfillment, from the time when firs they parted in strife Atreus’ son, King of men, and Brilliant Achilles.”
- Translated by A. T. Murray, 1924
Known for “The Parallel English / Greek - The Iliad”

“Sing, O Goddess, the anger of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures, for so were the counsels of Zeus fulfilled from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles first fell out with one another.”
- Translated by Louise R. Loomis

“Goddess, sing me the anger, of Achilles, Peleus’ son, that fatal anger that brought countless sorrows on the Greeks, and sent many valiant souls of warriors down to Hades, leaving their bodies as spoil for dogs and carrion birds: for thus was the will of Zeus brought to fulfillment. Sing of it from the moment when Agamemnon, Atreus’ son, that king of men, parted in wrath from noble Achilles.”
- Translated by A. S. Kline, 2009

“O goddess! Sing the wrath of Peleus’ son,
Achilles; sing the deadly wrath that brought
Woes numberless upon the Greeks, and swept
To Hades many a valiant soul, and gave
Their limbs a prey to dogs and birds of air, -
For so had Jove appointed, - from the time
When the two chiefs, Atrides, king of men,
And great Achilles, parted first as foes.”
-Translated by William Cullen Bryant, 1870

"Rage--Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles,
Murderous, doomed, that cost the Achaeans countless losses,
hurling down to the House of Death so many souls,
great fighters' souls. But made their bodies carrion,
feasts for dogs and birds,
and the will of Zeus was moving towards its end.
Begin, Muse, when the two first broke and clashed,
Agamemnon lord of men and brilliant Achilles."
-Translated by Robert Fagles, 1990 free verse

"Sing, O Goddess, the anger of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures for so were the counsels of Zeus fulfilled from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles first fell out with one another."
-Translated by Samuel Butler, 1898
Greek Latin
----- -----
Zeus. Jupiter.
Hera. Juno.
(Pallas) Athene. Minerva.
Aphrodite. Venus.
Poseidon. Neptune.
Ares. Mars.
Hephaestus. Vulcan.

"Rage:
Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage,
Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks
Incalculable pain pitched countless souls
Of heroes into Hades' dark,
And let their bodies rot as feasts
For dogs and birds, as Zeus' will was done.
Begin with the clash between Agamemnon--
The Greek Warlord--and godlike Achilles."
-Translated by Stanley Lombardo, 1997

"Anger be now your song, immortal one,
Akhilleus' anger, doomed and ruinous,
that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss
and crowded brave souls into the undergloom,
leaving so many dead men--carrion
for dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done.
Begin it when the two men first contending
broke with one another--
the Lord Marshal Agamémnon, Atreus' son, and Prince Akhilleus."
-Translated by Robert Fitzgerald, 1974

"Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son of Achilleus and its devastation, which puts pains thousandfold upon the Achains,
hurled in the multitudes to the house of Hade's strong souls of heroes, but gave their bodies to be the delicate feasting of dogs, of all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished since that time when first there stood the division of conflict Atrecus' son the lord of men and brilliant Achilleus."
-Translated by Richmond Lattimore, 1951

"Sing, goddess, of Peleus' son Achilles' anger, ruinous, that caused the Greeks untold ordeals, consigned to Hades countless valiant souls, heroes, and left their bodies prey for dogs or feast for vultures. Zeus's will was done from when those two first quarreled and split apart, the king, Agamemnon, and matchless Achilles."
-Translated by Herbert Jordan, 2008

"An angry man-there is my story: the bitter rancor of Achillês, prince of the house of Peleus, which brought a thousand troubles upon the Achaian host. Many a strong soul it sent down to Hadês, and left the heroes themselves a prey to the dogs and carrion birds, while the will of God moved on to fulfillment."
-Translated and transliterated by W.H.D. Rouse, 1938

"Achilles' wrath, to Greece the direful spring
Of woes unnumber'd, heavenly goddess, sing!
That wrath which hurl'd to Pluto's gloomy reign
The souls of mighty chiefs untimely slain;
Whose limbs unburied on the naked shore,
Devouring dogs and hungry vultures tore.
Since great Achilles and Atrides strove,
Such was the sovereign doom,
and such the will of Jove!"
-Translated by Alexander Pope, 1715-1720

"Achilles sing, O Goddess! Peleus' son;
His wrath pernicious, who ten thousand woes
Caused to Achaia's host, sent many a soul
Illustrious into Ades premature,
And Heroes gave (so stood the will of Jove)
To dogs and to all ravening fowls a prey,
When fierce dispute had separated once
The noble Chief Achilles from the son
Of Atreus, Agamemnon, King of men."
-Translated by William Cowper, London 1791

"Achilles' baneful wrath - resound, O Goddess - that impos'd
Infinite sorrow on the Greeks, and the brave souls loos'd
From beasts heroic; sent them far, to that invisible cave*
That no light comforts; and their limbs to dogs and vultures gave:
To all which Jove's will give effect; from whom the first strife begun
Betwixt Atrides, king of men, and Thetis' godlike son*"
-Translated by George Chapman, 1616 the first translator of Homer.

"The Rage of Achilles--sing it now, goddess, sing through me
the deadly rage that caused the Achaeans such grief
and hurled down to Hades the souls of so many fighters,
leaving their naked flesh to be eaten by dogs
and carrion birds, as the will of Zeus was accomplished.
Begin at the time when bitter words first divided
that king of men, Agamemnon, and godlike Achilles."
-Translated by Stephen Mitchell, 2011

"Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus,
ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions;
many of the powerful souls it sent to the dwelling of Hades,
those of the heroes, and spoil for the dogs it made it their bodies,
plunder for the birds, and the purpose of Zeus was accomplished__"
-Translated by Rodney Merrill

"Sing, goddess, the anger of Achilles, Peleus' son,
the accused anger which brought the Achaeans countless
agonies and hurled many mighty shades of heroes into Hades,
causing them to become the prey of dogs
and all kinds of birds; and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled."
-Translated by Anthony Verity

"Of Peleus' son, Achilles, sing, O Muse,
The vengeance, deep and deadly; whence to Greece
Unnumbered ills arose; which many a soul
Of mighty warriors to the viewless shades
Ultimately sent; they on the battle plain
Unburied lay, to rav'ning dogs,
And carrion birds; but had Jove decreed,"
-Translated by Edward George Geoffrey Smith-Stanley, 1862
Also known as, Edward Earl of Derby/Lord Stanley

"Sing, goddess, of the anger of Achileus, son of Peleus, the accrued anger which brought uncounted anguish on the Achaians and hurled down to Hades many mighty souls of heroes, making their bodies the prey to dogs and the birds' feasting: and this was the working of Zeus' will"
-Translated by Martin Hammond

"Sing, Goddess of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus-
that murderous anger which condemned Achaeans
to countless agonies and threw many warrior souls
deep into Hades, leaving their dead bodies
carrion food for dogs and birds-
all in the fulfillment of the will of Zeus"
- Translated by Professor Ian Johnston, British Columbia, 2006

"The rage, sing O goddess, of Achilles, son of Peleus,
The destructive anger that brought ten-thousand pains to the
Achaeans and sent many brave souls of fighting men to the house
of Hades and made their bodies a feast for dogs
and all kinds of birds. For such was the will of Zeus."
- Translated by Barry B. Powell, 2013

“Sing of rage, Goddess, that bane of Akhilleus,
Peleus' son, which caused untold pain for Akhaians,
sent down throngs of powerful spirits to Aides,
war-chiefs rendered the prize of dogs and every
sort of bird.”
- Translated by Edward McCrorie Born: Nov 19, 1936

“Sing O goddess, the destructive wrath of Achilles, son of Peleus, which brought countless woes upon the Greeks and hurled many valiant souls of heroes down to hades, and themselves a prey to dogs and all birds [but the will of Jove was being accomplished], from the time when Atrides, king of men, and noble Achilles, first contending, were disunited.”
- Translated by Theodore Alois Buckley 1873

"Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus' son, the ruinous wrath that brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into Hades many strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey to dogs and all winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out its accomplishment from the day when first strife parted Atreides king of men and noble Achilles."
- Translated by Andrew Lang, M.A., Walter Leaf, Litt.D., And Ernest Myers, M.A.
Books I. - IX. . . . . W. Leaf.
" X. - XVI. . . . . A. Lang.
" XVII. - XXIV. . . . . E. Myers.
- Translated 1883

A translation is by Ennis Samuel Rees, Jr. (March 17, 1925 - March 24, 2009) more in the line of poetry.

A translation is by Thomas Starling Norgate 1864. Dramatic blank verse.

A translation is by Arthur Sanders Way 1882.

A translation is by W.C. Bryant 1870

Wrath–sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Peleus’ son Achilles,
that inflicted woes without number upon the Achaeans,
hurled forth to Hades many strong souls of warriors
and rendered their bodies prey for the dogs,
for all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished;
sing from when they too first stood in conflict-
Atreus’ son, lord of men, and godlike Achilles.
- Translated by Caroline Alexander, 2015

“Wrath, goddess, sing of Achilles Pēleus’s son’s
calamitous wrath, which hit the Achaians with countless ills-
many the valiant souls it saw off down to Hādēs,
souls of heroes, their selves left as carrion for dogs
and all the birds of prey, and the plan of Zeus was fulfilled-
from the first moment those two men parted in fury,
Atreus’s son, king of men, and the godlike Achilles.”
- Translated by Peter Green, 2015

Brutal wrath of Akhilléüs,
Péleüs’s sone, o goddess sing-
Which put unnumbered woes on Akhaioi,
And which hurled to Hades many valiant souls of heroes,
And which made them prey for dogs and all the birds-
And Zeus’s will was being brought to pass-
From when the son of Átreüs, men’s king,
And brilliant Akhilléüs first conceived offense and quarreled.
Who of the gods then brought those two
In strive together fighting?
Ths son of Léto and Zeus.
- Translated by William Guy 2015

Sing of wrath, goddess – the deadly wrath of Peleus' son Achilles,
that brought sufferings by the thousands down on the Achaeans and
hurled so many sturdy souls to the realm of Hades, souls of splendid
warriors, while they themselves were left for dogs and all manner of
carrion birds to feast on, as the will of Zeus went driving toward its
goal; start your song from the moment when the two first stood face
to face in open strife – Agamemnon, lord of men, and godlike Achilles.
- Translated by Joe Sachs 2018

Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, which brought countless woes to the Achaeans and sent the souls of many brave heroes to Hades, their bodies made into a feast for dogs and crows all to carry out the unfathomable will of Zeus. Begin from the first time when they first quarreled: the warrior king, son of Atreus, and godlike Achilles.
- Translated by Michael Heumann 2021


===============================

There are so many lesser-known translations that they cannot fit in this review. However, they are worth searching for. Most nowadays are just OCR reprints.

You will find that some translations are easier to read but others are easier to listen to on recordings, lectures, Kindle, and the like. If you do not see information on specific translators, it is still worth the speculation and purchase. Right after the translation readability and understanding, do not overlook the introduction which gives an insight into what you are about to read.

The Stephen Mitchell translation goes through each of the major characters so well that you think you know them before you start reading. Other introductions explain the struggle between different types of power. Rodney Merrill's 28-page introduction focuses on singing.

The Peter Green translation is easy to read. It is a transliteration. However, it is all the scholarly supplemental information that gives worth to his contribution.

The Oxford University Press Barry B. Powell has an extensive introduction with real "MAPS". Also, there is the information of the finder Schliemann. We even get annotations on the meaning being conveyed.

The Caroline Alexander Translation is most excellent for a first translation reading. While other translations rely so much on being scholarly, her translation with plenty of white space makes you feel that you are partaking in listening in awe. The only thing missing is the background music.

Our story takes place in the ninth year of the ongoing war. We get some introduction to the first nine years but they are just a background to this tale of pride, sorrow, and revenge. The story will also end abruptly before the end of the war.

We have a wide conflict between the Trojans and Achaeans over a matter of pride; the gods get to take sides and many times direct spears and shields.

Although the more focused conflict is the power struggle between two different types of power. That of Achilles, son of Peleus and the greatest individual warrior, and that of Agamemnon, lord of men, whose power comes from the position.

We are treated to a blow-by-blow inside story as to what each is thinking and an unvarnished description of the perils of war and the search for Arête (to be more like Aries, God of War.)

Next before reading the Odyssey, you will want to bridge the gap with “The War at Troy: What Homer Didn't Tell” by Quintus of Smyrna.

[Charles Albert · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of the most boring stories I’ve ever read. It’s basically a cycle of a bunch of people murdering each other after stopping to tell each other who their grandparents were. In between, the god’s Olympus squabble. Repetitive and kind of silly.

It has the saving Grace of being 2800 years old and one of the cornerstones of western literature. But that doesn’t mean it’s good.

[Fred Dameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read. Full o blood and gore. No sex. Lots o hero's talkin as they go through their lineages before they kill each other. Also a lot o gods interfering in the battle and the affairs of men. Now that I have read I understand why it is on almost every must read list. It is well worth the read.

[fatiiinextdoor ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི · Rating 5 out of 5]

achilles being a ginger makes sm more sense

[Maddie · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was good, but I felt like I was being tortured the whole time I read it

[Ming_ Dynasty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was alright. I'm not the hugest fan but I like some specific parts but most of it is forgettable to me.

[Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good