The Iliad – Homer

The Iliad plunges readers into the chaos of the Trojan War, focusing on the rage of the Greek hero Achilles and its devastating consequences. Set during a few pivotal weeks of the decade-long conflict, the poem explores themes of honor, pride, and the capricious nature of fate. The Greeks and Trojans clash on the battlefield, but the story also delves into the personal struggles of warriors like Hector, who fights to protect his family and city. The gods play a central role, manipulating events to suit their whims, highlighting the tension between human agency and divine intervention. At its core, the epic asks profound questions about mortality, legacy, and the cost of war, blending visceral combat scenes with intimate moments of grief and humanity.