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The Iliad Research Paper

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In the epic poem ‘The Iliad’ the Gods made several appearances and were mentioned countless times throughout. Many would say that the role that the Gods played in the poem was vital to the story line. If not for the Gods, the stories within this poem would have gone a completely different route and, the Iliad would lack purpose. In every story within the poem Gods have meddled and altered the actions of the mortal characters of the story. The several actions of the Gods reflected on to their people. Many, if not all, choices were made for or because of the Gods. Zeus, Apollo, Hera, and countless other Gods interfered with mortal issues throughout the epic poem. These gods changed the course of the story and also serve to create purpose for …show more content…

The gods, in some cases, were paternal figures. In other cases the gods were more “game players” that solely used the mortal characters as pawns for their own benefit. When Apollo stepped in for Chrysies he was a paternal, protectant figure for Chrysies. Apollo saw and heard Chrysies’ prayers and acted negatively towards King Agamemnon. Whereas, Zeus used Paris and Athena used Achilles. Zeus used Paris as a pawn by asking him to make the decision in Zeus’ place. Zeus understood that there may be negative repercussions, so he placed his burden on another. Athena used Achilles to act out her revenge on Paris’ city of troy. She saw her opportunity once she learned of the battle between hector and Achilles and she took it. In the heat of the fight, when Achilles sword was knocked aside, she assisted him which lead to the death of hector. Athena’s involvement of the fight was selfish and was not concerned about the feelings of a mortal. Later on after hector was killed, Aphrodite helped preserve hectors corpse until it was properly buried. Her involvement with the mortal character was more paternal. This act came from the kindness of Aphrodite’s heart. The intentions of each individual god is important to the overall poem because it gives the plot purpose and understanding behind the events

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