“Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.”
—The Iliad, Book 1 (trans. Samuel Butler,)
Few works of literature have shaped Western civilization as powerfully as Homer’s Iliad. This epic poem—believed to be composed around the 8th century BCE—remains a cornerstone of the literary canon. From Achilles’ all-consuming rage to Hector’s heroic final stand, the Iliad offers enduring lessons about honor, individualism, and empathy in the face of war. In this post, we’ll explore why The Iliad still resonates, drawing on a recent conversation I hosted on The Troubadour Show with literature teacher Luc Travers.
The Age-Old Story of Achilles’ Rage
At its core, The Iliad is not just about the Trojan War; it is about Achilles’ wrath and the consequences that rage unleashes. Early in the poem, we see the friction between Achilles and King Agamemnon—a conflict that results in Achilles withdrawing from battle. This tension reveals a critical question: What happens when the greatest warrior refuses to fight for a cause that no longer aligns with his personal honor?
Modern Relevance: The poem’s opening lines highlight Achilles’ decision to withhold his power, reminding us that individual agency can tip the balance of massive conflicts. Today, we see echoes of this in modern debates over personal values versus group demands—whether in workplaces, social circles, or global politics.
Heroes on Both Sides
One of the striking elements of The Iliad is its empathy for Trojan heroes like Hector. Hector is shown not merely as an enemy but as a family man protecting his loved ones. His interactions with his wife Andromache reveal a tender side at odds with the brutal violence around him.
“Alas, my wife, our fate is weighed long ago … yet I would not meet my doom till I have done some great deed.”
—The Iliad, Book 6 (trans. Samuel Butler,)
Modern Relevance: Homer’s willingness to humanize both Greeks and Trojans challenges us to see the shared humanity in adversaries, a lesson just as urgent in today’s world as it was in ancient times.
War, Glory, and the Value of Life
War stories often glorify victory, but Homer constantly reminds us of life’s fragility. Vivid battle scenes—what Luc Travers wryly called “Kill of the Week” moments—feature brutal detail, emphasizing how each soldier has a personal story and a family left behind. Achilles himself wrestles with the prophecy that if he continues to fight, he will die young yet achieve eternal fame.
“I carry two sorts of destiny with me … if I stay here and fight, I shall not return alive but my name shall live forever.”
—The Iliad, Book 9 (trans. Samuel Butler)
Modern Relevance: This tension between glory and longevity resonates with anyone who has weighed career ambition against personal well-being, reminding us that every choice comes with a cost.
The Turning Point: Empathy and Reconciliation
Achilles eventually returns to combat, driven by personal loss. Yet perhaps the most human and moving scene is his meeting with King Priam, who comes under cover of night to beg for the body of his slain son, Hector. In an astonishing moment, Achilles—consumed by rage throughout the poem—finally shows compassion.
“Remember your father, O godlike Achilles … and pity me.”
—The Iliad, Book 24 (trans. Samuel Butler,)
Achilles recognizes in Priam’s plea the grief his own father will feel. This empathy dismantles his anger, unveiling a deeply human moment of reconciliation and shared sorrow. Homer’s message is clear: even amidst war’s brutality, compassion can bridge the deepest divisions.
Why You Should Read The Iliad
Foundational to Western Literature: Whether you’re reading Shakespeare or modern novels, you’ll find references and echoes of Homeric themes everywhere.
Timeless Human Emotions: Rage, honor, pride, grief—The Iliad portrays them in ways still relatable millennia later.
Insight into Heroism and Individualism: Achilles’ choice to stand apart from collective demands highlights the dawn of individual agency in Western thought.
Click here to join my Literary Canon Club – where we read and discuss timeless works, including The Iliad, in a vibrant, supportive community.
About Luc Travers
Luc Travers is a teacher at LiteratureAtOurHouse.com and the author of Touching the Art, a unique guide for beginners looking to enrich their experience of painting, sculpture, and other visual arts. Luc’s passion for great storytelling and visual culture shines through in every discussion, offering a fresh lens on why classic works like The Iliad still matter.
Final Thoughts
The Iliad endures because it’s not just an epic war story—it’s an exploration of what it means to be human. Achilles’ rage, Hector’s devotion, and Priam’s grief speak to universal struggles with pride, loyalty, and compassion. Whether you’re brand new to Homer or revisiting him after years away, this ancient poem offers insights into our deepest motivations and a timeless call for empathy in a divided world.
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