Divine favoritism plays a crucial role in shaping the fates of mortal characters in The Iliad. Gods and goddesses show preference for certain heroes, intervening on their behalf and granting them special abilities or protection in battle.

This favoritism has far-reaching consequences, influencing the course of the Trojan War and the lives of both Greek and Trojan heroes. The complex relationships between gods and mortals highlight the interplay of divine will and human agency in Homer's epic.

Divine Patronage and Favoritism

Achilles and Thetis

• Thetis, a sea nymph and mother of Achilles, holds significant influence among the gods due to her past actions (helping Zeus during a rebellion)
• Thetis appeals to Zeus on behalf of her son Achilles, requesting that the Trojans gain the upper hand in battle until Agamemnon recognizes Achilles' importance and apologizes for dishonoring him
• Zeus grants Thetis' request, showcasing the power of divine favoritism and its ability to shape the course of the war
• Achilles' close relationship with his divine mother Thetis sets him apart from other mortal heroes and contributes to his unique status and abilities

Hector and Apollo

• Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and archery, favors the Trojan hero Hector throughout the epic
• Apollo provides Hector with divine protection and support during battles, enhancing his combat prowess and allowing him to challenge the Greek heroes
• In Book 7, Apollo intervenes to save Hector from a potentially fatal encounter with Ajax, demonstrating the direct impact of divine favoritism on the battlefield
• Apollo's patronage of Hector underscores the significance of divine support in the lives and fates of mortal characters

Odysseus and Athena

• Athena, the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts, serves as a patron and protector of the Greek hero Odysseus
• Throughout the Iliad, Athena provides guidance, inspiration, and divine intervention to aid Odysseus in his endeavors
• In Book 10, Athena sends Odysseus and Diomedes on a successful night raid of the Trojan camp, highlighting her role in facilitating their strategic victories
• Odysseus' close relationship with Athena and her consistent support demonstrate the advantages of having a powerful divine patron

Paris and Aphrodite

• Paris, a Trojan prince, receives the favor of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, after choosing her as the fairest goddess in the Judgement of Paris
• Aphrodite rewards Paris by helping him abduct Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, from her husband Menelaus, sparking the events that lead to the Trojan War
• Throughout the epic, Aphrodite intervenes to protect Paris from harm, such as in Book 3 when she rescues him from a duel with Menelaus
• The favoritism shown by Aphrodite towards Paris illustrates the complex interplay between divine intervention and mortal actions in shaping the course of the war

Divine Intervention and Consequences

Divine gifts

• Gods and goddesses bestow divine gifts upon their favored mortals, enhancing their abilities and providing them with unique advantages
• Examples of divine gifts include Achilles' divinely crafted armor (created by Hephaestus at Thetis' request) and Odysseus' bow (a gift from Apollo)
• These divine gifts not only improve the recipients' combat prowess but also serve as tangible symbols of the gods' favor and support
• The presence of divine gifts in the Iliad highlights the significant role played by the gods in influencing the outcomes of mortal conflicts

Aristeia

• Aristeia refers to a hero's finest moment or greatest achievement in battle, often characterized by exceptional feats of strength, courage, and skill
• Divine intervention frequently contributes to or enables a hero's aristeia, with gods providing direct support, inspiration, or protection during these pivotal moments
• Examples of aristeia in the Iliad include Diomedes' battle frenzy in Book 5 (aided by Athena) and Achilles' rampage against the Trojans in Book 21 (supported by the river god Scamander)
• The concept of aristeia demonstrates the interplay between divine favor and mortal heroism, as the gods' support can elevate a hero's performance to superhuman levels

Deus ex machina

• Deus ex machina, meaning "god from the machine," refers to the sudden and unexpected intervention of a divine figure to resolve a seemingly hopeless situation
• In the Iliad, deus ex machina often takes the form of a god or goddess directly intervening in the mortal realm to alter the course of events
• A notable example occurs in Book 5 when Aphrodite rescues Aeneas from certain death at the hands of Diomedes, whisking him away from the battlefield
• The use of deus ex machina in the Iliad highlights the gods' ability to transcend the limitations of the mortal world and shape the narrative according to their desires

Mortal Flaws and Divine Retribution

Hubris

• Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a character's downfall or punishment by the gods
• In the Iliad, several characters exhibit hubris, such as Agamemnon's arrogance in refusing to return Chryseis to her father (a priest of Apollo) and Achilles' overconfidence in his own abilities
• Hubris can provoke divine retribution, as seen when Apollo sends a plague upon the Greek camp in response to Agamemnon's disrespect towards his priest
• The concept of hubris in the Iliad serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and respect in the face of divine power

Nemesis

• Nemesis, in Greek mythology, represents the personification of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris or commit other offenses against the gods
• While Nemesis is not explicitly mentioned in the Iliad, the idea of divine punishment for mortal transgressions is a recurring theme throughout the epic
• Examples of divine retribution in the Iliad include Zeus' decision to temporarily favor the Trojans as punishment for Agamemnon's hubris and Apollo's support of Hector as a means of punishing the Greeks
• The presence of divine retribution in the Iliad underscores the belief that the gods actively monitor and respond to the actions of mortals, meting out punishment or reward as they see fit