The Iliad is a classic work of literature written by the renowned author and translator, Stephen Mitchell. This epic poem tells the story of the Trojan War, with its central character being the great warrior Achilles. Written with both beauty and power, The Iliad has been revered for centuries and is considered one of the greatest works in literature.
The Iliad takes place during the tenth year of the long and bloody war between Greece and the city of Troy. The poem begins with the Greek forces under the command of Agamemnon, attacking and destroying the city of Troy. The great warrior Achilles, deeply loyal to his companion Patroclus, is chosen to lead the attack. As the attack progresses, a series of disputes between the Greeks cause tension between the two sides. Achilles’ rage against Agamemnon leads to a huge conflict, resulting in a series of brutal battles and many deaths.
Throughout the narrative, the gods play a central role in influencing characters and shaping the outcome of certain events. As the story progresses, the gods intervene on numerous occasions, leading to the death of many characters. In one particularly memorable scene, Achilles is driven to a violent rage when an arrow from the god Apollo strikes his beloved Patroclus.
The tragic hero of the poem is, of course, Achilles. Although his rage and ambition get in the way of his decision-making, he is a sympathetic character who struggles to reconcile his feelings towards his friends and family with the terrible consequences of his actions. Achilles’ redemption comes in the form of his death, as he dies in battle with the city of Troy firmly within the grasp of the Greeks.
The beauty of The Iliad lies within its themes and structure. Mitchell’s exaggerated descriptions — of both the characters and their actions — give the reader a vivid insight into the story. There is also the central theme of honour; whilst every character’s motivations are vastly different, every action is made with a sense of duty and a desire to restore balance to the world.
The Iliad is a timeless work of poetry and a classic of literature. Stephen Mitchell’s translation is accessible for both new readers and those who are already familiar with the poem. This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story that will still resonate with readers hundreds of years after its initial publication.
