So, while Achilles is often perceived and put forth as being the main hero of The Iliad, it is really Patroklos who proves to be the true hero in the end. ... This only further portrays Achilles' selfishness, a quality not typically found in a true hero. Though Achilles shows inconsistency with his qualities as a hero, Patroklos never waivers in them. ... These contributing factors are thus what makes Patroklos the true hero of the epic tale. While many perceive Achilles to be the real hero of Homer's The Iliad, it is really Patroklos who shows true honor and nobility througho...

• Word Count: 1596
• Approx Pages: 6

Central to Homer's epic is the theme of interactions between human beings and gods are central to Homer's Iliad. The epic revolves around the story of Achilleus's plight, and the manner in which Zeus executes his promises to Thetis, the goddess/mother of Achilleus. ... In the Iliad, Homer endows gods with distinctively human qualities, and conversely, elevates human-beings to the status of god-like heroes. ... Second of all, this case of human-god interaction reveals another facet of the bond between human-beings and gods - the fact that many of Iliad's heroes are the o...

• Word Count: 2271
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

In Homer's epic tale The Iliad, Hephaistos receives a request to forge battle armor and shield for the great Greek warrior and mortal, Achilles, during the heat of the Trojan War. ... He accomplished numerous prodigies of craftsmanship for the gods of Olympus and for mortal heroes, many which were symbolic and told a story. ... However, his contributions to Greek mythology are as profound as any epic hero or Greek god....

• Word Count: 1341
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

This belief becomes very apparent in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey-. ... The opposing forces of Athena's sympathy and Poseidon's resentment toward Odysseus "both crucial in the outcome of our hero's quest " are concrete examples of subjectivity in the will of the gods. ... No less arbitrary is Poseidon's grudge against our hero. ... His wrath results in the death of many an innocent sai...

• Word Count: 1297
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School