Role Of The Gods In The Iliad

The role of the gods as aloof medlers in human affairs is evident in the 1st book of the Iliad. They take roles as protectors of mortals, and they use their mortals to attack and annoy each other. One example is Achilles who is filled with hate and grief after the abduction of his prize. He asks his mother the sea nymph Thetis for help in showing Agamemnon is as an incompetent commander so the Greeks distrust and hate him. Thetis agrees, mostly because her son’s “life is short” (1.436), and calls to Zeus for a favor. The resulting plea is successful, and Zeus promises to “destroy Greeks by the thousands” (1.592). Zeus’ wife Hera, the patron goddess of the Greeks, hears and becomes angry. Zeus disregards her anger and forces Agamemnon to attack