Homer’s “The Iliad” is considered an epic because it tells the story of the Trojan War, featuring heroic characters, grand battles, and divine intervention. It explores themes of honor, fate, and the consequences of war. The characteristic features of an epic include a grand and heroic narrative, larger-than-life characters, epic battles, divine intervention, exploration of moral and ethical values, and the portrayal of cultural and historical significance. Epics often span a vast timeline and encompass multiple settings, showcasing the epic journey of the protagonist and the challenges they face.
In “The Iliad,” we see examples of honor in the characters’ unwavering commitment to their code of conduct, such as Achilles seeking revenge for the death of Patroclus. Fate is also a prominent theme, as the gods play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of the war, and characters often struggle with their predetermined destinies. The consequences of war are evident in the devastating loss of life, the destruction of cities, and the emotional toll it takes on the characters, highlighting the tragic nature of conflict.
Homer employs epic similes in his poem “The Iliad.” These similes are elaborate and extended comparisons that vividly describe events, characters, or emotions by drawing parallels to familiar objects or situations. They add depth and richness to the narrative, enhancing the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the epic. In “The Iliad,” Homer uses epic similes to create vivid imagery. For example, he compares the Greek army’s attack on the Trojans to a swarm of bees The descending upon a field, highlighting their relentless and organized assault. Another example is when he compares the Trojan prince Hector’s strength to that of a lion, emphasizing his bravery and ferocity on the battlefield. These epic similes enhance the epic’s storytelling and bring the scenes to life.
The other important feature of the epic is the employment of grand battles. The Trojan war is the grand battle that is depicted in Homer’s epic where the battle is fiercely fought between the Troy and the Greeks. The Trojan war is determined to have been won by the Troy under the intervention of God Apollo, Zeus and Hector. The fate changes the game of the war when Hector killed Patroclus who is the closest friend of Achilles. This lead to the rage of Achilles who killed many Troy and he destroyed the city of Troy just to kill Hector. The battle is grand as the battle is determined to some extent the fate and the role of the divine intervention.
The epic also features the heroic characters. Achilles and Hector are two important heroic figures in the epic. They are the best warriors who can change the course of the battle. When Hector joins the war, he leads the army of Troy against Achaeans and they suffer heavy losses. As soon as Achilles joins the battle of Troy , he also changes the course of the battle by defeating Hector.
The divine intervention plays a significant role in determining the fate and destiny of the characters. When Chryses prays Apollo God to help him , he send a plague to Achaeans that killed many of them. When Agamemnon consults the prophet Calchas, it is proven to be the due to Chryseis. Agamemnon insults Achilles when he asks him to pay compensation for Briseis that made Achilles to stay mad at him and he refuses to join the battle. His refusal to join the battle made Troy to trample over the war. Zeus also supported the Troy and Apollo as well that also changes the course of the battle. As Apollo destroys the armour of Patroclus, Hector is able to kill Patroclus which made Achilles to join the battle in rage. Hector is also fooled by the goddess Athena into turning around and fight against Achilles where he is killed. The divine intervention changes the course of the future and the war in the battle that gives the essence of the epic.
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