The Iliad (ePub)

Homer is a monumental figure in ancient Greek literature, often revered as one of the greatest poets in Western history. His literary career is most famously associated with two epic poems, 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey', both cornerstones of Ancient Greek literature and essential texts in the canon of Western literature. 'The Iliad' specifically delineates with exquisite poetry, the final weeks of the Trojan War, a pivotal event in Greek mythology. Homer's work is characterized by its grandeur of theme, swift action, noble characters, and a style both simple and direct. However, little is known for certain about the life of Homer, including his historical existence. The exact dates of his life are also subject to debate, with estimates placing him in the 8th to 7th century BC. Scholarship typically portrays Homer as a bard from Ionia, the Greek-coastal region of Anatolia. His literary style, often described as oral-formulaic, suggests he likely worked with oral traditions, composing his poems through mnemonic devices and repetitive phrases to aid in performance. Due to the epic's ancient origins, the extent to which Homer may have been a single author or a synthesis of generational storytelling traditions is still discussed. Nonetheless, the works attributed to him have exercised a profound influence on Western literature and continue to be studied for their literary merit, cultural significance, and insights into ancient Greek society.