Love And War In Iliad

“Sing, O muse, of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.”

―Homer,The Iliad

Iliad centres itself around love and war. It is the story of the illicit love and elopement of Paris, prince of Troy and Helen queen of Macedon. Their love affair is instigated by Aphrodite the goddess of love as a boon to Paris. Menelaus, king of Macedon and his brother Agamemnon the kings of kings of Greeks declare war against Troy. Agamemnon gathers all the chiefs and kings of Greeks to fight the battle. The Greeks are supported by Athena the goddess of battle wisdom.

It is interesting to note that the war of troy also turned into a war between the goddess Aphrodite and Athena, the goddess of love and goddess of wisdom and battle strategy. This is no mere coincidence. Paris of Troy valued love more than war and its glory. This was a point of containment between him and his brother. Hector was a classic epic hero; brave, courageous and honourable. He was feared by the Greeks and Agamemnon himself who warns the Greek army by his name. Though Hector did not love war he strove for Kleos. He strove for the glory of his country, his family. He was thoroughly disappointed with Paris for seducing and eloping with Helen. He did not want the bloodshed and mutilation of his army and his people.

This is the most important thing about Iliad that no party extensively wanted the war. The Greeks were there to support Agamemnon and his brother Menelaus and did not have any personal vendetta against Troy. This was emphasised by Achilles the greatest warrior of Greece in his argument with Agamemnon. This also showcased that this was not a battle for ideology but revenge.

But the theme that stands out was the various forms of love. The love between Paris and Helen that swept them to elope together forgetting all consequence. The love between Achilles and Patroclus that moved Achilles and drove him to defeat the Trojans and decimate Hector. The love between Hector, his wife Adromache and their son who he was forced to leave behind when going to war.

In Iliad Love is an incredibly dangerous thing, fickle and selfish, yet deep and profound. The goddesses Aphrodite and Athena portray the human mind and heart through this beautifully spun words relating the divine interventions in the war of Troy.

Love as embodied by Aphrodite led to a war that engulfed the Troy and led to its destruction. The fall of Ilium, the story of Ilium- Iliad.

Though the gods themselves do not rise above the human faults- deeply selfish, manipulative and secretive they represent the people of the war itself. Thus we can also say Love and War clashes again and again in Iliad.