Dow Jones’s Reviews > The Iliad > Status Update

Aphrodite saves Paris but the Trojans are such bitches to have a whole sacrificial bond of combat terms yet they lose and go back on their word with no recompense even from the gods.

Another go after The Song of Achilles. Paired w/ audiobook. Book 1 done.

Really cool speeches before launching into battle. I got a little mixed up with who’s who but the action parts were great.

Paris’ spear couldn’t pierce Menelaus’ shield, but Menelaus’ spear went through. Aphrodite stole Paris away to get Helen, this forfeiting the duel, so Agamemnon gave a speech saying Menelaus won and they demand Helen and reparations. It only seems fair, but now the trouble begins!

Here we go! Now things are cooking! Menelaus and Paris are going to fight and the winner gets Helen. The footnotes really help set up that Zeus chose Paris to award Strife’s golden apple to Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite and he chose Aphrodite because she promised him Helen’s love. Now Hera and Athena forever hate him and the Trojans.

By far the worst section so far with endless names of captains and familial histories gathering to attack Troy. The footnotes are the best part.

Not too sure if Zeus is helping or harming Achilles with the dream he sends to Agamemnon. Then Agamemnon twists the message to test his soldiers’ loyalty. Odysseus gives a good speech thanks to Athena and now Agamemnon is about to speak. Very tricky, I shouldn’t take breaks between reading!

Skipped most of the intro because I don’t want spoilers, but I’m loving it so far. I like how simple it is to understand at my age. Hated it in school but LOVED The Odyssey, so I’m trying this before rereading. Thetis asks Zeus to help Achilles destroy the Achaeans and Hera doesn’t give him a break. I guess Zeus is abusive? Agamemnon is a dick, but Achilles can be out of line too. Wish I had more time to read