Major Players in the Iliad
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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