The role of the Gods and Goddesses in the Iliad

The role of the Gods and Goddesses in the Iliad

1. Hera

   • Iris
     • XVIII - Encourages him to stop wallowing in his own self pity and to return to battle
     • XXIV - sent to Priam to tell to collect his son's body
   • XVIII - Hates the Trojans
     • Judgement of Paris
     • Making trouble for them

2. Athene

   • VI - Against the Trojans - rejecting the offering of the women
   • XVIII - Brings Achilles back to the battlefield
   • XXII - Intervenes in the fight between Achilles and Hektor
     • Tells Achilles that she will help him in the fight
       • Disguises herself as Hector's brother ; Deiphobus
         • Gives Achilles a spear

3. Thetis

   • XVIII - comforts Achilles when he hears of Patroclus' death
     • Family
     • Compassion
       • Goes to Hephaestus to get Achilles armour
   • XXIV - Sent to persuade Achilles to give Hektor's body back

4. Hephaestus

   • XVIII - Makes Achilles' armour
     • To repay Thetis
       • Shows Thetis Xenia
     • Shield
       • Life and death outside of war

5. Zeus

   • XXII - Not above Fate
     • Likes Hector but will not save him
       • Could be to avoid a war with the Gods
   • XXII - Lets the Greeks disfigure Hektor on his Father's land
   • XXIV- Zeus intervenes and orders the return of Hektor's body
     • Iris is sent to get Thetis

6. Apollo

   • XXII - Mocks Achilles - leading him from battle
     • Shows Apollo's favour of Hektor/ Trojans
   • Apollo deserts Hector
     • Following the judgement of Zeus
   • XXIV - Protects Hector's body after death
     • Urges Hermes to steal his body
       • Not agreed to by Hera, Athene and Poseidon
         • Argues with Hera

7. Hermes

   • XXIV -Disguised as a Myrmidon to guide Priam through the Greek camp