Major Players in the <I>Iliad</I>

Scorecard to the Iliad

GODS

ZEUS: in theory, above human squabbles; the executor of Fate

PRO-GREEKS
Why? Motivations for many gods are supplied by the story of "The Judgement of Paris" (Il. 24.35-6): see Fagles pp. 41, 632-3. Cf. p. 626 on 7.523-5 (on Poseidon), and 631 on 20.65-89.

  • Athena, loves Greek warriors
  • Hera, Zeus' wife/sister.
  • Poseidon, brother of Z.
  • Thetis, mother of Achilles, a sea-nymph (Nereid)

    PRO-TROJANS
  • Apollo, patron of Chryses
  • Aphrodite, patron of Paris
  • Ares, son of Zeus; War deified.

    Other Less Partisan Gods

  • Hermes, messenger and guide for dead souls
  • Hephaestus, son of Hera; the craftsman
  • Iris, the messenger from Olympus to earth

    HEROES

    Greeks (= Achaeans, Argives)

  • Achilles, son of Peleus + Thetis, leader of the Myrmidons
  • Agamemnon, bro. of Menelaus. Co-leader of the expedition vs Troy
  • Ajax, son on Telamon; tower of defense
  • Antilochus, son of Nestor; Achilles' pal
  • Calchas, a seer
  • Diomedes, son of Tydeus; young superstar
  • Menelaus, husband of Helen. Co-leader of the expedition vs Troy
  • Nestor, old councillor
  • Odysseus, wily strategist and fighter
  • Patroclus, Achilles' dearest comrade
  • Phoenix, Achilles old tutor
  • Thersites, a "common soldier"

    Trojans (Dardanians)
  • King Priam + Hecuba (> 50 sons)
  • Hector ("The defender") son of Priam)
  • Andromache +wife of Hector (> Astyanax)
  • Paris, son of Priam; abductor of Helen
  • Helenus, a seer/warrior; son of Priam
  • Glaucus, a warrior; Trojan ally
  • Sarpedon, a son of Zeus; Trojan ally
  • Polydamas, A Trojan "general"
  • Euphorbus, minor warrior
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