Homer’s classic epic poem, The Iliad, is a classic for a reason. Drama, battles, and mountains of mythological mayhem make for fascinating reading. It’s been read for pleasure and studied for thousands of years, and now it’s your turn to give it a shot! But why should you? I can think of three great reasons: it’s a timeless classic, it’s entertaining, and it can open your mind to other times and places. Let’s dig into each of these points, one by one.
- It’s a timeless classic.
- It’s wildly entertaining.
- It can open your mind to other times and places.
ONE: We’re still talking about it.
A book is considered a classic when it’s still read and loved 50 years after its publication date. The Iliad was written in the 8th century BCE, and it’s still so relevant that its sequel is about to get a brand new movie. It may sound trite, but if a book still captures the hearts and minds of audiences literally thousands of years after it was written, there’s something special about it.
TWO: The Special Something
Do you like romantic dramas? The Iliad has you covered. Paris and Helen are toxic faves, Patroclus’ tragic death is the reason for Achilles’ personal drama, and Hector and Andromache know they are fighting a losing war but stay together to the end. Do you like action? Endless fight scenes, past and present, litter the pages with exciting battles between mortals and demigods. Do you like spy stories and intrigue? Before starring in his own spin-off sequel, Odysseus was the Greek army’s black ops specialist. There’s something for everyone in this epic poem. These deeply human themes have resonated with audiences for centuries.
Three: Other places, other faces
Reading ancient literature opens your mind to different viewpoints. Let’s be real: people in ancient Greece didn’t think or behave exactly like modern people. Would you sacrifice your daughter to get favorable winds for sailing? Would you enter a legally-binding alliance with your neighbors because you all had crushes on the same woman? Would you tell the goddess of beauty, to her face, that she wasn’t the most beautiful woman you knew of? Okay, that last one is just stupidity, but still. Reading the words of ancient people can be startling. Sometimes they feel like they could be your neighbor, other times you can’t believe you’re the same species. But both of these thoughts are useful. If ancient people can be so relatable, can’t you relate to people in the modern world who may be different from you? If ancient people seem cruel and bizarre, doesn’t that help you appreciate your own modern society?
So why should you read the Iliad?
It’s a good story that has passed multiple tests of time. It’s definitely worth a try. If ancient literature is new to you, here are some suggestions.
- Watch or read adaptations. Yeah, the movies aren’t 100% accurate. Who cares? It can help to have a visual reference for the characters, and to have an overview of the story.
- Let the poetry take over. Don’t wrestle with it, go along with the flow and the rhythm. Even if you don’t understand something, the beauty of the words can still carry you away to the next point.
- Have fun! Read it at the pool, read it to your cats, listen to an audiobook while you work on hobbies. This is a story worth experiencing, and whatever way you choose is valid.