Introduction to the IliadWritten by: Homer

Homer• He was known as “____________.”• Not much was known of his life.• He is not credited for the creation of this story,

but only for the writing. The Iliad was an ______ ___________ that was passed down by generations for years, but Homer was the first to place the words on paper.

(Prentice Hall Literature World Masterpieces, 360)

Homeric Characterics• Epic – _______________________________________

_________________________ (Modern day epics: Superman and Hancock).

• Epic Hero – a larger than life character who seems to be ______________ (special powers or strengths)

• In Media Res – Latin for “_______________________ _________.” Homer begins his tale with the already taken place, so it is like a story within a story.

• _____________ – descriptive words or phrases (Ex: “brilliant Achilles” or “blazing-eyed Athena”).

• Epic Similes – large similes usually lasting 2-3 lines.

How the Trojan War Began• The most beautiful woman in the world was _____________,

daughter of a king. Helen’s father chose Menelaus, the King of ____________, to be her husband.

• Meanwhile, three goddesses appeared before Paris, the Prince of Troy, and asked him to choose which among them was the fairest.

• They all tried to bribe him:– ___________ said she would make him lord of Europe and Asia (an

offer of power).– ________________ said she would give him the most beautiful

woman in the world (an offer of love).– _____________ said she would make him lead the Trojans to victory

against the Greeks (an offer of fame).• Paris chose _______________, who had promised him the most

beautiful woman in the world (Helen). Thus the problems began.

• Aphrodite took Paris to Sparta, where Helen and her new husband, Menelaus, lived. Paris befriended them and stayed in their palace.

• While Menelaus was away on business, Aphrodite caused Helen to fall in love with Paris and the two left Sparta and sailed back to _______.

• Menelaus returned to find Helen gone and called on all of Greece to help him, as they had sworn to do.

• Menelaus’ brother, ______________ (King of the Greeks) joined him. Together, _________ ships set sail for Troy to bring Helen back for Menelaus.

The Iliad’s Beginning• For ________ years, the battle raged. The Trojans

protected themselves behind their city wall while the Greeks camped along the sea a few miles away. Neither side could gain an advantage.

• The Iliad begins as the _______ year of the Trojan War begins (around 1000 to 1200 BC).

• ___________ is angry at King Agamemnon because of his greed for land and treasures.

• ___________ is debating whether he should fight for the ___________ or go home.

The Gods

Favored the Greeks:• ________

• ____________• _________

Favored the Trojans:• _______________• _________

• _______________