The Iliad · Chapters
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Chapter companions for The Iliad by Homer.
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Chapter 1
The Iliad
The Iliad recounts the wrath of Achilles and its devastating consequences during the Trojan War, beginning with Apollo's plague sent upon the Greek army after Agamemnon's refusal to ransom Chryseis. The quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon leads to Achilles' withdrawal from battle, and the subsequent Greek losses. The narrative follows key events including the single combat of Menelaus and Paris, the breaking of the truce, Hector's farewell to Andromache, the failed embassy to Achilles, the death of Patroclus, Achilles' return to battle, the killing of Hector, and finally the ransom and funeral of Hector, exploring themes of honor, glory, fate, and the horrors of war.
Chapter 2
Book I: The Contention of Achilles and Agamemnon
Chryses, priest of Apollo, comes to the Greek camp to ransom his daughter Chryseis from Agamemnon, who refuses and insults him. Apollo sends a pestilence upon the Greek army. Achilles calls a council, and the seer Calchas reveals that the plague is punishment for Agamemnon's insult. A bitter quarrel erupts between Achilles and Agamemnon, culminating in Agamemnon taking Briseis from Achilles. Thetis, Achilles' mother, appeals to Zeus to avenge her son, leading to a conflict between Zeus and Hera.
Chapter 3
Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces
Zeus sends a deceptive dream to Agamemnon, promising immediate victory at Troy. Agamemnon tests the army's loyalty by suggesting retreat, causing a chaotic rush to the ships. Odysseus restores order, punishes the insolent Thersites, and rallies the troops. Nestor advises a review of the forces, leading to the Catalogue of Ships and Trojan allies.
Chapter 4
Book III: Single Combat of Menelaus and Paris
Hector proposes a duel between Menelaus and Paris to decide the war, with the winner taking Helen and her wealth. Priam and Helen watch from the walls as the Greek and Trojan armies agree to a truce. The duel begins, but when Menelaus gains the upper hand, Venus rescues Paris and transports him to his bedchamber, then compels Helen to join him.
Chapter 5
Book IV: The Breaking of the Truce, and the First Battle
The gods convene on Olympus, and Zeus tests Hera and Athena by suggesting peace. Hera insists on Troy's destruction, and Zeus relents. Athena descends to the battlefield, disguised as Laodocus, and persuades Pandarus to break the truce by shooting Menelaus. Menelaus is wounded, but not fatally. Agamemnon grieves and rallies the Greeks, while Machaon tends to the wound. The truce collapses, and the first great battle of the war begins.
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20 more companions → free preview- Chapter 6Book V: The Exploits of Diomed
- Chapter 7Book VI: Interviews Between Glaucus and Diomed, and Hector and Andromache
- Chapter 8Book VII: The Combat of Hector and Ajax
- Chapter 9Book VIII: The Second Battle
- Chapter 10Book IX: The Embassy to Achilles
- Chapter 11Book X: The Night-Adventure of Diomed and Ulysses
- Chapter 12Book XI: The Third Battle, and Exploits of Agamemnon
- Chapter 13Book XII: The Battle at the Grecian Wall
- Chapter 14Book XIII: The Continuation of the Fourth Battle
- Chapter 15Book XIV: The Fraud Practised on Jupiter by Juno
- Chapter 16Book XV: The Fifth Battle at the Ships
- Chapter 17Book XVI: The Sixth Battle—Death of Patroclus
- Chapter 18Book XVII: The Seventh Battle
- Chapter 19Book XVIII: The Grief of Achilles for the Death of Patroclus
- Chapter 20Book XIX: The Reconciliation of Achilles and Agamemnon
- Chapter 21Book XX: The Battle of the Gods
- Chapter 22Book XXI: The Battle in the River Scamander
- Chapter 23Book XXII: The Death of Hector
- Chapter 24Book XXIII: The Funeral of Patroclus
- Chapter 25Book XXIV: The Body of Hector Recovered
