The Iliad (Readings Classics)

Set during the final year of the Trojan War, The Iliad centres on the conflict between the Greek hero Achilles and King Agamemnon, and the ensuing wrath of Achilles, which has devastating consequences for both the Achaeans and the Trojans. As Achilles withdraws from battle in anger, the Greeks suffer heavy losses, prompting a chain of events that culminates in personal sacrifice, revenge, and the eventual death of the Trojan prince Hector. Interwoven with divine interventions and rich in poetic imagery, the epic explores timeless themes such as honor, pride, loyalty, and the brutality of war. Homer’s portrayal of heroism is both grand and deeply human, revealing the emotional complexity behind legendary figures. Composed in dactylic hexameter in ancient Greece and preserved through oral tradition, The Iliad stands as a cornerstone of Western literature, revered for its artistic mastery and enduring relevance.