Homer's epic poem The Iliadtells the dramatic story of... Show more
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U
Uma Iyer
29/11/2025
Classical Civilisation
Iliad revision guide
468
•
29 Nov 2025
•
Master the Iliad: Comprehensive Revision Guide
U
Uma Iyer
@uma_i
1 / 10
Book 1: Plague and Wrath
Everything kicks off with Achilles' legendary rage – and trust me, this isn't just a typical bad mood. When the Greek leader Agamemnon refuses to let Apollo's priest ransom his captured daughter, the god unleashes a deadly plague on the Greek army. Agamemnon eventually gives the girl back, but he's not happy about losing his prize.
Here's where it gets properly dramatic: Agamemnon decides to take Briseis, Achilles' own war prize, as compensation. This triggers Achilles' famous wrath, and he storms off, refusing to fight anymore. Meanwhile, his sea-nymph mother Thetis convinces Zeus to let the Trojans win battles until her son's honour is restored.
This opening book introduces the heroic code that drives the entire story. Key concepts include kleos (eternal glory through battle), time (honour from others' respect), and geras (war prizes that bring prestige). Understanding these ideas is crucial because they explain why characters make seemingly extreme decisions throughout the epic.
Quick Tip: Notice how Book 1 mirrors Book 24 in structure – Homer loves using ring composition to create satisfying parallels!
Book 3: A Truce and a Duel
Paris finally steps up to face the music – sort of. After his brother Hector calls him out for his cowardice, Paris agrees to duel Menelaus to settle the war once and for all. Meanwhile, Helen stands on Troy's walls with King Priam, pointing out the major Greek warriors in a scene called the Teichoskopia.
The duel goes badly for Paris. Just when Menelaus is about to finish him off by dragging him around by his helmet strap, Aphrodite swoops in and whisks Paris away in a mysterious mist. She dumps him safely in his bedroom, then forces Helen to go and sleep with him – not exactly the heroic ending everyone expected.
This book brilliantly contrasts different types of heroes. While Menelaus shows proper warrior behaviour and Hector demonstrates noble leadership, Paris represents the complete opposite of heroic ideals. He's vain, cowardly, and relies entirely on divine protection rather than personal courage.
Key Theme: Disguise appears throughout The Iliad – gods constantly appear as mortals, and nothing is quite what it seems on the surface.
Book 4: Pandarus Breaks the Truce
Just when peace seems possible, Athene deliberately sabotages everything. Disguised as a Trojan warrior, she convinces the archer Pandarus to shoot Menelaus and break the truce. The arrow wounds Menelaus but doesn't kill him – Athene makes sure of that because she wants the war to continue, not end with a Greek defeat.
Agamemnon shows his leadership skills by rallying the troops after this treacherous attack. He praises loyal warriors like Ajax and Nestor whilst challenging others, including Odysseus and Diomedes, for apparently avoiding their duties. His psychology works – these accusations will drive both heroes to prove themselves in spectacular fashion later.
The gods' behaviour here is particularly revealing. They're petty, childish, and seem to treat mortal lives like pieces in a board game. Athene's disguise as Laodocus shows how the gods manipulate humans without them even knowing it – a theme that runs throughout the entire epic.
Remember: This book starts the serious battlefield action that dominates much of The Iliad from here onwards.
Book 5: Diomedes Fights the Gods
Get ready for some epic action because Diomedes goes absolutely mental on the battlefield in what's called an aristeia – basically a hero's greatest moment of glory. After being wounded by Pandarus, he prays to Athene, who grants him incredible power and the ability to distinguish between gods and mortals.
Athene tells him he can attack any god except... well, she specifically mentions Aphrodite, which is basically like telling someone not to think about elephants. Sure enough, Diomedes wounds both Aphrodite and Ares, breaking his agreement and showing the dangerous arrogance that comes with divine power.
This episode perfectly demonstrates the heroic code in action. Diomedes achieves kleos (glory), time (honour), and shows menos (battlefield prowess), but he crucially lacks aidos . His success comes entirely from Athene's help, yet he acts like it's all his own doing – a classic example of heroic pride going too far.
Watch Out: Diomedes' aristeia foreshadows Achilles' even more devastating rampage in Books 18-22.
Book 6: Hector and Andromache
This is where The Iliad gets properly emotional. While Hector dominates the battlefield, the real drama happens when he visits his wife Andromache and baby son Astyanax at home. Andromache desperately begs him not to return to battle, knowing he'll likely die, but Hector explains he has no choice – his honour and duty to Troy come first.
The scene where baby Astyanax cries at his father's helmet is both touching and tragic. Hector removes it, holds his son, and prays for his future, not knowing this is probably their last moment together. Andromache mourns him as if he's already dead, which basically foreshadows his fate in Book 22.
This book shows the brutal cost of the heroic code. Hector knows he's probably going to die, but he'd rather live gloriously and briefly than survive dishonourably. His conversation with Andromache reveals the human side of war – real families torn apart by the pursuit of kleos and honour.
Key Insight: Notice how Homer contrasts noble Hector with cowardly Paris, who finally returns to battle but only after Helen and Hector shame him into it.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Master the Iliad: Comprehensive Revision Guide
U
Uma Iyer
@uma_i
Homer's epic poem The Iliadtells the dramatic story of the Trojan War, focusing on the legendary Greek warrior Achilles and his devastating anger. This ancient masterpiece explores themes of honour, glory, divine intervention, and the brutal realities of war... Show more
Book 1: Plague and Wrath
Everything kicks off with Achilles' legendary rage – and trust me, this isn't just a typical bad mood. When the Greek leader Agamemnon refuses to let Apollo's priest ransom his captured daughter, the god unleashes a deadly plague on the Greek army. Agamemnon eventually gives the girl back, but he's not happy about losing his prize.
Here's where it gets properly dramatic: Agamemnon decides to take Briseis, Achilles' own war prize, as compensation. This triggers Achilles' famous wrath, and he storms off, refusing to fight anymore. Meanwhile, his sea-nymph mother Thetis convinces Zeus to let the Trojans win battles until her son's honour is restored.
This opening book introduces the heroic code that drives the entire story. Key concepts include kleos (eternal glory through battle), time (honour from others' respect), and geras (war prizes that bring prestige). Understanding these ideas is crucial because they explain why characters make seemingly extreme decisions throughout the epic.
Quick Tip: Notice how Book 1 mirrors Book 24 in structure – Homer loves using ring composition to create satisfying parallels!
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Book 3: A Truce and a Duel
Paris finally steps up to face the music – sort of. After his brother Hector calls him out for his cowardice, Paris agrees to duel Menelaus to settle the war once and for all. Meanwhile, Helen stands on Troy's walls with King Priam, pointing out the major Greek warriors in a scene called the Teichoskopia.
The duel goes badly for Paris. Just when Menelaus is about to finish him off by dragging him around by his helmet strap, Aphrodite swoops in and whisks Paris away in a mysterious mist. She dumps him safely in his bedroom, then forces Helen to go and sleep with him – not exactly the heroic ending everyone expected.
This book brilliantly contrasts different types of heroes. While Menelaus shows proper warrior behaviour and Hector demonstrates noble leadership, Paris represents the complete opposite of heroic ideals. He's vain, cowardly, and relies entirely on divine protection rather than personal courage.
Key Theme: Disguise appears throughout The Iliad – gods constantly appear as mortals, and nothing is quite what it seems on the surface.
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Book 4: Pandarus Breaks the Truce
Just when peace seems possible, Athene deliberately sabotages everything. Disguised as a Trojan warrior, she convinces the archer Pandarus to shoot Menelaus and break the truce. The arrow wounds Menelaus but doesn't kill him – Athene makes sure of that because she wants the war to continue, not end with a Greek defeat.
Agamemnon shows his leadership skills by rallying the troops after this treacherous attack. He praises loyal warriors like Ajax and Nestor whilst challenging others, including Odysseus and Diomedes, for apparently avoiding their duties. His psychology works – these accusations will drive both heroes to prove themselves in spectacular fashion later.
The gods' behaviour here is particularly revealing. They're petty, childish, and seem to treat mortal lives like pieces in a board game. Athene's disguise as Laodocus shows how the gods manipulate humans without them even knowing it – a theme that runs throughout the entire epic.
Remember: This book starts the serious battlefield action that dominates much of The Iliad from here onwards.
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Book 5: Diomedes Fights the Gods
Get ready for some epic action because Diomedes goes absolutely mental on the battlefield in what's called an aristeia – basically a hero's greatest moment of glory. After being wounded by Pandarus, he prays to Athene, who grants him incredible power and the ability to distinguish between gods and mortals.
Athene tells him he can attack any god except... well, she specifically mentions Aphrodite, which is basically like telling someone not to think about elephants. Sure enough, Diomedes wounds both Aphrodite and Ares, breaking his agreement and showing the dangerous arrogance that comes with divine power.
This episode perfectly demonstrates the heroic code in action. Diomedes achieves kleos (glory), time (honour), and shows menos (battlefield prowess), but he crucially lacks aidos . His success comes entirely from Athene's help, yet he acts like it's all his own doing – a classic example of heroic pride going too far.
Watch Out: Diomedes' aristeia foreshadows Achilles' even more devastating rampage in Books 18-22.
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Book 6: Hector and Andromache
This is where The Iliad gets properly emotional. While Hector dominates the battlefield, the real drama happens when he visits his wife Andromache and baby son Astyanax at home. Andromache desperately begs him not to return to battle, knowing he'll likely die, but Hector explains he has no choice – his honour and duty to Troy come first.
The scene where baby Astyanax cries at his father's helmet is both touching and tragic. Hector removes it, holds his son, and prays for his future, not knowing this is probably their last moment together. Andromache mourns him as if he's already dead, which basically foreshadows his fate in Book 22.
This book shows the brutal cost of the heroic code. Hector knows he's probably going to die, but he'd rather live gloriously and briefly than survive dishonourably. His conversation with Andromache reveals the human side of war – real families torn apart by the pursuit of kleos and honour.
Key Insight: Notice how Homer contrasts noble Hector with cowardly Paris, who finally returns to battle but only after Helen and Hector shame him into it.
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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Most popular content: Causes of War
Most popular content in Classical Civilisation
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user