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The Iliad · Character

Iris

Messenger goddess of the gods, often bearing commands from Zeus.

minor

Also known as Fleet-footed Iris, Swift-footed Iris, Wind-footed Iris

First appearance: the iliad

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In Book XV: The Fifth Battle at the Ships: Iris is sent by Zeus to command Neptune to withdraw from the battle and return to his…

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Character Web

24 connections

A slice of how Iris sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

ACAchillesPOPoseidonZEZeusHEHectorTHThetisIRIris

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Major Greek and Trojan Figures
  • Protagonist

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Jupiter’s wrath, as he…

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In the story

Iris appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Iris in the iliad