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The Epic Poem of the Siege of Troy: An Annotated Guide

Jesus Mitchell

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Published in The Iliad: The Epic Poem Of The Siege Of Troy (Annotated)

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The Siege of Troy, attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, is one of the most famous and influential works of literature in Western civilization. The poem tells the story of the Trojan War, a legendary conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans that took place in the 13th century BCE. The Siege of Troy has been translated into dozens of languages and has been adapted into countless works of art, music, and film.

This annotated guide provides a comprehensive overview of The Siege of Troy, its characters, its themes, and its significance. The guide is divided into the following sections:

Plot Summary
Characters
Themes
Significance

The Siege of Troy begins with the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, the parents of Achilles. The wedding is attended by all the gods and goddesses of Olympus, except for Eris, the goddess of discord. Eris is angered by her exclusion and throws a golden apple into the midst of the guests, inscribed with the words "To the fairest." Three goddesses, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, claim the apple for themselves. Zeus, the king of the gods, orders them to submit their claims to the judgment of Paris, a mortal prince of Troy.

The Iliad: The Epic Poem of the Siege of Troy (Annotated)

by Benjamin Shapiro

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Paris chooses Aphrodite as the fairest, and in return, Aphrodite promises to help him win the love of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world. Helen is married to Menelaus, king of Sparta, but she is abducted by Paris and taken to Troy. Menelaus is enraged and calls upon his brother, Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, to help him avenge the insult. Agamemnon gathers a vast army of Greek warriors and sets sail for Troy.

The Greeks besiege Troy for ten years, but they are unable to breach the city walls. Finally, Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, devises a plan to trick the Trojans into opening the gates of the city. The Greeks hide inside a giant wooden horse, and the Trojans, thinking that the horse is a gift, bring it into the city. At night, the Greeks emerge from the horse and open the gates for the rest of the Greek army. The Greeks sack Troy and kill all of the Trojan men.

The Siege of Troy features a large cast of characters, including gods, goddesses, heroes, and ordinary soldiers. Some of the most notable characters include:

Achilles: The greatest warrior of the Greeks, Achilles is known for his strength, courage, and pride. He is also the protagonist of the poem.
Hector: The greatest warrior of the Trojans, Hector is a noble and honorable man. He is the leader of the Trojan army and the defender of his city.
Helen of Troy: The most beautiful woman in the world, Helen is the cause of the Trojan War. She is married to Menelaus, king of Sparta, but she is abducted by Paris, prince of Troy.
Odysseus: The king of Ithaca, Odysseus is a cunning and resourceful man. He is the mastermind behind the plan to trick the Trojans into opening the gates of the city.
Aeneas: A Trojan prince, Aeneas is a brave and pious man. He is the ancestor of the Romans.

The Siege of Troy explores a number of important themes, including:

The nature of war
The power of fate
The importance of honor
The role of the gods

The poem shows that war is a destructive and wasteful enterprise. It also shows that fate is a powerful force that can determine the outcome of human events. However, the poem also shows that honor is important and that it is worth fighting for. Finally, the poem shows that the gods play a role in human affairs, but that they are not always just or benevolent.

The Siege of Troy is one of the most important works of literature in Western civilization. It has had a profound influence on Western art, literature, and thought. The poem has been translated into dozens of languages and has been adapted into countless works of art, music, and film.

The Siege of Troy is also an important historical document. It provides a glimpse into the world of ancient Greece and the Trojan War. The poem also sheds light on the values and beliefs of the ancient Greeks.

The Siege of Troy is a complex and challenging work of literature, but it is also a rewarding one. The poem offers a wealth of insights into the human condition and the nature of the world.

The Iliad: The Epic Poem of the Siege of Troy (Annotated)

by Benjamin Shapiro

5 out of 5