The Iliad

Iliad

The major Greek figures in the early books of Homer's epic "The Iliad" are Agamemnon, Achilles, Nestor, Patroclus, Ajax, and Odysseus. The major Trojan figures are Hector, Paris, and King Priam and Calchas the priest of Apollo. Of the Grecian figures, Agamemnon is most commonly identified as the "Son of Atreus." This phrase emphasizes the bloody but noble lineage from which Agamemnon springs, and also shows why Agamemnon is so often in scenes where he is attempting to establish his supreme command over the other warriors.

One of the difficulties Agamemnon experiences in establishing his control over the other Greeks is that Achilles is a superior warrior in comparison to Agamemnon. This is because "the godlike" or "great runner" Achilles is a demigod rather than a mere mortal, with greater natural physical gifts. Achilles' semi-divine parentage and relationship to the Gods of Olympus threatens Agamemnon. However, Achilles is hardly a thoroughly noble individual, as he is often depicted sitting in his tent with his friend Patroclus, angry at real and perceived slights from the Grecian leader, withholding his military expertise from his fellow Greeks because of his own personal struggles. Achilles becomes "Son of Pelus," his human father, when he is at his most petulant, such as in his quarrel with Agamemnon In contrast to these two younger Greeks, Nestor is "sweet worded" and an "old man" whose experienced and balanced counsel highlights the positive lineage of the Greeks that has become corrupted after their long time at war, far away from home, with the Trojans.