Book 1 Summary
The Iliad begins as the narrator asks the Muses to aid him as he tells the tale of the Trojan War and the men who fought in it. While the war lasted years and killed many men, the story focuses on a few specific heroes, telling the tale of a quarrel between two of them—Achilles and Agamemnon—that proved disastrous.
To contextualize this quarrel, the narrator explains that after the Achaeans sacked the city of Thebe, they divided the spoils amongst themselves, including two women, Chryseis and Briseis, to whom Agamemnon and Achilles lay claim, respectively.
Chryses—the father of Chryseis and a priest of Apollo—comes to Troy to plead for her return and offers vast amounts of riches as ransom, but Agamemnon refuses.
In response to Agamemnon’s mistreatment of his priest, Apollo sends a plague against the Achaeans that kills many of them. Kalchas, a wise old seer, advises that only by returning Chryseis can the plague be stopped; Agamemnon begrudgingly agrees and returns Chryseis to her father.
In compensation for giving up Chryseis, Agamemnon demands Achilles give him Briseis. Achilles is greatly angered by this unfairness; only the goddess Athena’s restraint prevents him from killing Agamemnon then and there.
Furious at this unfair treatment, Achilles withdraws his troops from battle and refuses to fight. He meets with his mother, the goddess of water, Thetis, who agrees to speak to Zeus on her son’s behalf. Achilles hopes that he may have revenge on Agamemnon and receive recognition from the Achaeans when they realize how valuable he and his soldiers were.
Meanwhile, Odysseus sails back to Thebe on orders from Agamemnon, carrying with him Chryseis and one hundred oxen as an offering of peace. His voyage proves successful, and he appeases any lingering anger Apollo and Chryses bear toward the Achaeans.
When Hera finds out that Zeus has promised Thetis that he will bring honor to Achilles, she is enraged. Hephaestus urges them to make peace before their great feast is spoiled, and surprisingly, they do. Book one concludes with all the gods peacefully sleeping side by side after their feast together.
Expert Q&A
What is the significance of the quarrel in book 1 of Homer's Iliad?
The quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles in Book 1 of The Iliad is crucial as it sets off a series of events affecting the Trojan War's outcome. Agamemnon's refusal to return Chryseis angers Apollo, leading to a plague. To appease Apollo, Agamemnon takes Achilles' captive, Bryseis, causing Achilles to withdraw from battle. This withdrawal emboldens the Trojans, leading to significant losses for the Greeks until Achilles returns after Patroclus' death.
What is the tone and setting in Book 1 of Homer's Iliad?
The tone in Book 1 of Homer's Iliad is dire and ominous, marked by tension and desperation due to a plague in the Greek camp caused by Agamemnon's mistreatment of Apollo's priest, Chryses. The setting initially is the Greek encampment near Troy, shifting to Mount Olympus as Thetis pleads with Zeus. The tone becomes lighter at the end with Hephaestus amusing the gods, providing temporary relief from the earlier quarrelsome atmosphere.
What is your impression of Agamemnon from book 1 of the Iliad?
In book 1 of Homer's Iliad, we get the impression that Agamemnon is a stubborn, selfish, and vengeful character. He's stubborn and selfish because he refuses to relinquish Chryseis. His obstinacy causes a plague for his soldiers, and he does not accept responsibility. Instead he exacts vengeance upon Achilles by taking his war prize. Agamemnon cares more about himself and his pride than the general morale of the army.
How does the Iliad portray heroism in book 1?
In Book 1 of The Iliad, heroism is subtly portrayed through characters like Calchas, who, despite fears of retribution, bravely tells Agamemnon that he must return his concubine to appease Apollo. Heroic traits in the Homeric sense include battlefield achievements and eloquence, as seen in Achilles' complaints about shared spoils and Nestor's wise counsel. While modern audiences may struggle to see heroism, these qualities define it in the Homeric context.
In Iliad book 1, why does Agamemnon react strongly to Calchas?
Agamemnon reacts strongly to Calchas's prophecy because it threatens his honor, which is crucial in Greek society. He perceives the demand to return his war prize, Chryseis, as a personal dishonor, equating the loss with a blow to his reputation and leadership power. This perceived dishonor fuels his fury, as maintaining honor is essential for his status and authority among the Achaeans.
Which Achaean shared value is violated in book 1 of Homer's Iliad?
In Book 1 of The Iliad, the shared Achaean value of honor is violated. The conflict arises when Agamemnon is forced to return Chryseis, losing his symbol of honor, and compensates by taking Briseis from Achilles. This act dishonors Achilles, who responds by withdrawing from battle. In the Homeric context, Agamemnon's actions are seen as a greater violation as he publicly dishonors Achilles, prompting divine intervention to restore Achilles' honor.
In the Iliad, book 1, do you agree that the action is controlled by the gods?
In Book 1 of The Iliad, the narrative strongly suggests that the gods control the events. Homer depicts Apollo's anger at Agamemnon for dishonoring his priest, Chryses, as a catalyst for divine intervention. Chryses' respectful appeal and subsequent private prayers to Apollo lead to divine retribution against the Greeks, showcasing a cause-effect relationship driven by the gods. Thus, the text convincingly portrays divine control over the unfolding events.
Why is Agamemnon stubborn in the Iliad, book 1?
Agamemnon's stubbornness in Book 1 of the Iliad stems from his demand for respect, viewing war and politics through this lens. His ego and royal status make him believe he deserves everyone's obedience, leading to a refusal to concede. This attitude fuels his rivalry with Achilles, as he sees a soldier as unfit to dictate a king's actions. His belief in the primacy of respect drives his inflexibility throughout the narrative.
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