What happened in the Iliad Book 1?
The narrative begins nine years after the start of the war, as the Achaeans sack a Trojan-allied town and capture two beautiful maidens, Chryseis and Briseis. Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Achaean army, takes Chryseis as his prize. Achilles, one of the Achaeans’ most valuable warriors, claims Briseis.
What is the major scene in the book 1 of Iliad?
The first scene of the Iliad finds Chryses, the priest of Apollo (god of the sun and a whole lot of other stuff), approaching the Achaian camp to ask for his daughter back. Shortly afterward, we learn that his daughter is being held captive by Agamemnon, who wants to keep her as his personal possession.
Why was Achilles so angry?
Achilles is initially angry because the leader of the Greek forces, King Agamemnon, takes a captive woman named Briseis from him. By taking away the prize of honour that has been allocated to Achilles in recognition of his fighting prowess, Agamemnon dishonours him.
What is the main point of The Iliad?
Love and friendship, fate and free will, and honor are the main themes of Homer’s The Iliad. All three themes follow Achilles and the other main characters of the epic poem. We see how Achilles’ friendship with Patroclus and his hunger for honor guides much of the epic, which lead to both his and Hector’s demises.
How many books are in the Iliad?
The Iliad, an epic poem attributed to Homer and the oldest extant piece of European literature , is conventionally divided into 24 books. Here you’ll find an approximately one-page summary of each book, a description of the major characters and sometimes places, and an English translation.
What is the theme of Book 1 in the Iliad?
Love is one of the subtler themes in the Iliad, but also one of the most powerful. In Chryses’ actions at the opening of Book 1, or those of Hecuba and Priam in Books 22 and 24, we see eloquent testimony to the love of parents for their children.
What is book one of Iliad about?
In Homer ’s, The Iliad, Book 1, “ The Rage of Achilles ,” one of the main concepts presented is the idea that the gods desire honor and glory. It is very evident that both Achilles and Agamemnon are in competition for more power and dominance.
What is the setting of the Iliad?
The Iliad is set in Troy, the plain before its gates and the Achaean camp at the coast. It’s a quite small area defined by Mt. Ida, the sea and the rivers Scamander and Simoeis.