Journal 3: The Illiad

One of the most compelling topics raised in The Iliad is the intricate relations
between fate, freewill, humanity, and the gods. Many events Homer relates in his epic
poem exhibit how these four connections interweave and eventually determine the lives
of human beings in the war. These relationships are complex and unclear throughout
the epic. They are never exactly spelled out to show how the freewill of humanity and its
fate are bound to the gods’ will. The motivation for the ambiguousness present in The
Iliad is not understood easily; rather, it is a rich question that helps weave an even
greater understanding and significance of human existence. For this Journal, I would
like you to reflect on how The Iliad brings the reader to this experience and what is the
importance of going through such an experience as a reader?

When considering how The Iliad introduces the reader to the experience of

examining the complex relationships between fate, freewill, mankind, and the gods, I

can say that one cannot help but be captivated by the complexity and ambiguity of

these interactions. The human experience and the problems people endure while

dealing with fate and the will of the gods are explored in depth in Homer's story.

As mentioned earlier, the epic poem The Iliad, credited to Homer, examines the

complex relationships between fate, free will, humanity, and the gods. Homer recounts

many incidents that illustrate how these ties are intertwined and how they eventually

affect the lives of everyone participating in the battle throughout the poem. Although

these connections are still ambiguous and complicated, they are crucial to the

development of the story and emphasize the importance of human existence.

The mystery surrounding the interactions between fate, free will, humanity, and

the gods gives the reading experience depth and complexity. Homer encourages us,

readers, to actively engage with the book by leaving the connections to our own

interpretation. This encourages readers to consider the consequences of each

character's choices and how those acts affect their fate. This uncertainty makes readers
wonder if people have any control over their fates and whether supernatural intervention

plays a role.

This examines the conflict between free will and fate by using figures like Achilles

and Hector as examples. Achilles chooses a path that eventually results in his own

destruction because he is motivated by his own rage and desire for revenge. Achilles

has the ability to choose his decision of action, yet he is unable to change the gods'

chosen outcome. The concept that even the most strong and heroic individuals are

vulnerable to scenarios beyond their control is made clear by this.

The gods' involvement in human problems exemplifies the complex bond

between the divine and ordinary realms. The gods frequently intervene in human affairs,

directing their pathways and motivating their behavior according to their own goals and

objectives. This demonstrates how powerless we are in relation to God's mighty

strength. The gods assume the position of arbiters of fate, determining mortals' futures

and the outcomes of their deeds.

By connecting the fundamental issues of existence together in the intricate web

of fate, free will, mankind, and the gods, The Iliad inspires readers to consider these

issues. Readers are prompted to consider the notion of free choice and the degree to

which people might fight their assigned fates. Additionally, it makes readers confront the

significant influence that gods have had on human lives and think about how higher

beings have influenced the course of human history.

Readers are encouraged to carry out a thorough examination of the characters'

intentions and behavior because of the uncertainty in the links between these aspects.

Readers are motivated to learn more about the complexity of human nature as they
struggle to understand how fate and the gods play a role in circumstances. The poem

challenges readers to reflect on the ethical significance of the characters' decisions and

poses issues with morality, heroism, and the effects of war.

Readers are given a profound understanding and respect of human existence via

the journey of fighting with fate, freewill, humanity, and the gods. The Iliad urges

readers to acknowledge the fragility of human existence and the fleeting nature of

individual actions amidst immense cosmic forces, reminding them that external forces,

despite our strength, still impact our lives.

The Iliad is a captivating literary work that masterfully blends themes of fate, free

will, humanity, and the gods. Homer invites readers to consider the boundaries of

human agency, the function of divine intervention, and the moral ramifications of

personal decisions via the intricate connections depicted in the poem. The Iliad offers a

comprehensive analysis of the human experience and inspires readers to think about

the fundamental concerns of life by entangling them in this complex web of

relationships.