The Iliad (by Homer)

*The Iliad* by Homer is an ancient Greek epic that recounts a brief period during the Trojan War, focusing on the fierce anger of the Greek hero Achilles. It explores themes of heroism, honor, wrath, and mortality as warriors clash over pride and booty. The poem portrays gods intervening in human affairs, emphasizing the human costs of pride and revenge. Through vivid battles and personal struggles, it highlights the human condition amid the grandeur of war, ultimately questioning the nature of heroism and the fleetingness of life.