Whimsical Gods of the Iliad - Essay Example

Despite this immortality, the gods were subject to demise, loss of power, struggle, and emotions. They weren’t neutral but were biased a thousand ways; they weren’t pure but were lust driven. Achilles was chosen by them, because of their physical ability and military position. Yet he was full of shortcomings, arrogant, and short-tempered. But because the gods are nepotistic, he gets chosen. This is how Homer shows that however gods they might be, they were still prone to wrong decisions.

He writes: “We everlasting gods… Ah what chilling blows, we suffer; thanks to our conflicting wills- whenever we show these mortal men some kindness” (Iliad, 346-348). There is realization, there is an acknowledgment of fallacies yet there is continuity in their vices, their modes of action in the lives of their chosen ones.

Yes, humans are depicted as mere tools subjected to the likes and dislikes of gods. Blinded by their pride they might be, yet they were driven, whipped by gods, Gods who couldn’t stay headstrong themselves.

Achilles did feel he was being monitored, and driven, yet he continued with his fate. He knew about the divine intervention, but he didn’t settle down, he couldn’t settle down. This shows how deeply gods were into him, how minutely they carried out and observed each of his moves. He wanted to do otherwise but he couldn’t. He was a victim of indomitable power.

The part where Achilles battles with and is on the verge of killing Agamemnon but is stopped by Athena who discloses the gods’ fear for the death of one if not both of their favorite humans. Is that not driven enough? Is that not prejudiced enough? The gods are indecisive in their actions but when one thing they seem perfectly in control of; Power Over Mortals.