Pride is a central theme in Homer's Iliad, influencing the actions and fates of both mortals and gods. The epic explores how pride drives characters to make decisions that lead to personal and communal consequences. Through the characters of Achilles, Agamemnon, and even the gods, Homer illustrates pride as a powerful force that shapes the narrative and the outcomes of the Trojan War.

Achilles' pride is a driving force in the Iliad. His sense of honor and entitlement leads him to withdraw from battle after Agamemnon takes his concubine, Briseis. This withdrawal demonstrates his belief that his personal honor is more important than the collective success of the Greek army. Achilles' pride not only isolates him from his comrades but also results in significant Greek losses on the battlefield. His refusal to fight stems from a deep-seated wrath over perceived dishonor, illustrating how pride can lead to alienation and suffering.

The consequences of Achilles' pride are profound. His absence from battle leaves the Greeks vulnerable, and his anger festers, turning into a desire for vengeance after the death of his friend Patroclus. Achilles' pride is further inflamed by this personal loss, driving him to seek revenge against Hector. This quest for vengeance highlights how pride can escalate conflicts and lead to tragic outcomes. Achilles' actions, driven by pride, ultimately contribute to his own downfall, as his vulnerability is later exploited.

Pride is not limited to mortals in the Iliad; it also affects the gods. The gods' pride often manifests as hubris, leading them to interfere in human affairs and challenge each other. For instance, Athena and Ares' confrontation and Hera's disdain for Artemis demonstrate how divine pride influences the course of events. Zeus himself contemplates an act of hubris when considering saving his son Sarpedon, showing that even the king of the gods is not immune to pride. These instances reveal that pride is a universal trait affecting both gods and humans, often leading to conflict and chaos.

Achilles' pride and stubbornness are central to his character. Despite his unmatched skills as a warrior, his wrath and pride often overshadow his heroism. His inability to forgive Agamemnon and his relentless pursuit of vengeance against Hector illustrate how pride can lead to destructive behavior. Achilles' actions, driven by pride, result in some of the most violent and emotional moments in the epic. His grief over Patroclus' death and his subsequent treatment of Hector's body highlight the complex interplay between pride, anger, and humanity in the Iliad.