The Role of Fate in the Iliad Essay Example

The epic poem The Iliad was written by Homer, an ancient Greek poet. It is a story about the Trojan War and its events. The outcome of characters and events is determined by fate throughout the poem. Fate is embodied in the Fates goddesses, who are responsible to weaving the threads that define destiny. The Iliad reveals that the gods control fate and determine the fates for mortals.

The Iliad begins with the gods meeting on Mount Olympus at the beginning to discuss the fates of the Achaeans, and the Trojans. Zeus, the king among the gods, suggests that the fate and outcome of the war will be decided by Paris and Menelaus, two champions. He states that the gods won't interfere in the battle because it is up to the mortals to decide their fate.

The gods intercede in human affairs throughout the Iliad to guide and protect their favorite warriors. Athena, for example, gives strength and courage to the Achaeans in order to defeat the Trojans. Apollo aids the Trojans by providing them with divine help and protection from their enemies.