Answer to Question #269633 in Philosophy for Elliott mclord

Question

Analyse the role of divine intervention as portrayed by Homer in book 1 of his Iliad and critically examine its consequence(s) and the reaction of Agamemnon and Achilles in the development of book 1

Answer 1

Homer's The Iliad is a supreme example of divine intervention being used to ensure that the fate of the mortals is sealed during the battle of Troy. When it comes to divine intervention, the gods and goddesses are allowed to stick in their noses, so long as they get fate back on its rightful course eventually. Agamemnon's demand humiliates and infuriates the proud Achilles. The men argue, and Achilles threatens to withdraw from battle and take his people, the Myrmidons, back home to Phthia. Agamemnon threatens to go to Achilles' tent in the army's camp and take Briseis himself. From the beginning of the Iliad, the gods' main focus was control in the way they wished for the war between Troy and the Greeks. This was done so by Athena, because without Agamemnon there would be no war, and without Achilles, there will be no hero. The gods and goddesses were allowed to meddle on the condition that they got fate back on its rightful course. Athena prevented Achilles from losing his temper which would lead to him attacking Agamemnon. This is because Athena wishes to see the Achaeans win the battle over the trojans.