The Iliad by Homer

Rishabh | Manalapan High School, Grade 9

Rating: ****

The Iliad is an ancient story written by Homer, and is filled with Ancient Greek mythology and culture. It begins with the dispute between the three goddesses, Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena, who all want an apple that is marked For the Fairest. Zeus, the King of the Gods, tells them to go to Paris, Prince of Troy, and ask him to judge who was the most fair. The goddesses bribe him, and he accepts Aphrodite's bribe that the most fair woman will be his if he gives her the apple. The fairest woman is Helen, but is already married to the King of Sparta. When Paris visits Menelaus, the King of Sparta, he is left with Helen, and brings her to Troy. One of the most famous mythological wars then ensues, the Trojan War.

This epic was extremely interesting and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in Greek mythology. It is filled with ancient Greek heroes and gods. It is also a great display of human traits in the divine as well as in heroes, which shows how human imperfections are ubiquitous. Additionally, this poem is extremely action packed, filled with battles and other surprises.