The Canon Library
Cover of The Iliad

Ancient · Epic poetry

The Iliad

by Homer. Achilles’ wrath during the Trojan War reveals the glory, brutality, and tragic cost of heroic culture.

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Date
c. 8th century BCE
Origin
Ancient Greece
Era
Ancient
Genre
Epic poetry
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
Long
Collection
The Western Canon

Subjects and themes

WarHonorRageMortality

Why it matters

Achilles’ wrath during the Trojan War reveals the glory, brutality, and tragic cost of heroic culture.

This work is included in the collection on the basis of great books / bloom / harvard. Its cataloged influence level is 5 out of 5.

Related works

Reading lists featuring The Iliad

Reading path

Essential 100

A century of works that gives the broadest useful first view of the Western canon. 100 books · Advanced.

Access and editions

3 reviewed free-access sources are available in the interactive reader. 2 edition recommendations are available.

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