A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF

HOMER’S EPIC POEM, “THE ILIAD”

AND W. PETERSEN’S FILM, “TROY”

A Course Assignment Presented to

Ms. Archille F. Yu

LIT2- MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE

Submitted by:

Warren Olmoguez
Dianne Faith D. Vendiola
Girie Mae Felicano Peritos
Justine S. Plarisan
Elmave Requinto
Fatima Cañete Sapanta
 I.
Loyalty fosters trust and strengthens relationships. When you demonstrate loyalty to
others, whether it's in personal or professional contexts, you show that you can be relied
upon and that you prioritize the well-being and interests of those you are loyal to. This
helps to build strong and meaningful connections, creating a sense of trust and support.
It's worth noting that loyalty and honor, like any values, should be balanced with critical
thinking and an awareness of context. Blind loyalty or rigid adherence to honor can
sometimes be misplaced or lead to negative outcomes. Therefore, it's essential to
consider the nuances and complexities of situations and apply loyalty and honor in a
thoughtful and ethical manner.

II.
"Troy" is an epic historical war film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The movie is based
on the ancient Greek epic poem "The Iliad" by Homer and portrays the legendary Trojan
War. "Troy" follows the story of the Trojan War, sparked by the love affair between Prince
Paris of Troy (played by Orlando Bloom) and Helen of Sparta (played by Diane Kruger),
which leads to the gathering of Greek forces to lay siege to the city of Troy. The mighty
Greek warrior Achilles (played by Brad Pitt) joins the Greek army, but his internal conflicts
and desire for glory create tensions among the Greek leaders. The Trojans, led by Prince
Hector (played by Eric Bana), defend their city against the Greeks, including the cunning
strategist Odysseus (played by Sean Bean) and the vengeful Agamemnon (played by
Brian Cox). The film portrays the brutal battles, alliances, betrayals, and the tragic
consequences of war.

III.
When examining the differences, similarities, and plots between a film and an essay, a
book, or any other piece of literature, Troy and Homer's Iliad serve as appropriate
examples because the sincere and expansive productions cover a wide range of topics.
It is deeply rooted in history, upsetting historians to a large extent. It is also often utilized
in education, such as in English classes and politics, to demonstrate the impact of
individual variations on the stability of a state or country. Even though "Troy" is
supposedly based on Homer's Iliad, there were a number of significant differences from
the original work that made it less than ideal. “Troy”, a movie based on a typical worldwide
struggle, attempts to include Homer's idea into its plot, but there are still evident
differences between the two since “Troy” heavily incorporates modernism, whereas the
Iliad epic by Homer does not. The film aims to bring the ancient tale of the Trojan War to
the big screen, but it incorporates several changes and alterations from the source
material as mentioned in the introduction. First is the streamlined Narrative, "The Iliad" is
a lengthy and intricate poem that covers various aspects of the Trojan War. In order to
condense the story into a feature film, the movie focuses primarily on the conflict
between Achilles and Hector, making it more of a personal rivalry rather than a war
between two nations. The narrative streamlining allows for a more focused plotline but
sacrifices the depth and complexity of the original text. Second is the humanizing of the
Characters, in "The Iliad," the characters are depicted as larger-than-life heroes and gods.
The movie, however, attempts to humanize the characters, showcasing their
vulnerabilities and exploring their personal motivations. Achilles, for example, is
portrayed as a more complex and conflicted character, driven by his own personal glory
and honor rather than solely being a formidable warrior. Third is the de-emphasizing the
Gods, while the gods play a significant role in "The Iliad," actively participating in the war
and influencing events, the movie downplays their presence. Divine intervention is largely
removed or minimized, making the conflict more grounded in the actions and choices of
mortal characters. This alteration aims to create a more realistic and relatable experience
for the audience. Fourth, the romantic focus, the movie places a greater emphasis on the
love story between Paris and Helen, portraying it as a catalyst for the war. In "The Iliad,"
the romantic aspect is less prominent, focusing more on the overarching themes of
honor, fate, and glory. The movie's inclusion of the romantic storyline seeks to appeal to
a broader audience by adding a familiar and relatable element. Sixth, the battle sequences
and its visual spectacle, one of the significant departures from the book is the heightened
focus on large-scale battle sequences and epic visuals. The movie showcases massive
battles with elaborate choreography, special effects, and stunning cinematography to
create a visually engaging experience. This emphasis on action and spectacle aligns with
the expectations of a contemporary audience and aims to captivate viewers with its
grandeur. And lastly, the simplification and omission, due to time constraints, the movie
simplifies and omits several subplots, characters, and events from "The Iliad." Certain
characters, such as Patroclus and Odysseus, are given reduced roles, while others, like
Ajax and Penthesilea, are omitted entirely. The film sacrifices the intricate details and
depth of the original text to create a more streamlined and accessible narrative.

1. Achilles' Love Scene with Briseis: In the film, there is a romantic relationship
depicted between Achilles (played by Brad Pitt) and Briseis (played by Rose
Byrne), a Trojan priestess captured by Achilles. This love story is not present in
"The Iliad," where Briseis is portrayed as a captive of Achilles, but there is no
romantic involvement between them.
2. In "The Iliad," Paris, the Trojan prince, survives the war. However, in the film, Paris
(played by Orlando Bloom) is shown to be killed by an arrow shot by Philoctetes (played
by Brendan Gleeson). This deviation adds a dramatic twist to the story, as it alters the
fate of the character compared to the original source material.

3. The film "Troy" includes several extended battle sequences that are not explicitly
described in "The Iliad." While the general events of the Trojan War are depicted, the film
takes creative liberties with specific battles and strategies. Additionally, some characters'
roles and actions during the war may be altered or expanded upon for the sake of
cinematic storytelling.

IV.
A. Cinematography
"Troy" is known for its visually stunning portrayal of the ancient world. The film
utilizes sweeping shots, large-scale battle scenes, and intricate set designs to
create a visually captivating experience. The cinematography enhances the sense
of scale and immerses viewers in the epic nature of the story. The camera
movements, use of slow-motion shots, and choreography of the action contribute
to the intensity and excitement of the battle scenes. The film's cinematography
captures the chaos and brutality of war while still maintaining a sense of clarity
and visual coherence. They effectively uses lighting to create different moods and
atmospheres. From the warm and golden hues of Troy to the colder and darker
tones of the Greek camp, the lighting helps to convey the contrasting worlds and
emotions within the story. It enhances the visual storytelling and adds depth to the
film's overall aesthetic. The cinematography in "Troy" is often praised for its ability
to capture and convey the emotional moments of the characters. Whether it's
 close-up shots emphasizing facial expressions or wide shots that depict the
vastness of the landscape, the cinematography adds to the emotional impact of
the story, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The
movie showcases a meticulous attention to detail, particularly in capturing the
costumes, armor, and production design. The film's visuals reflect extensive
research and an effort to create an authentic depiction of the ancient world. This
attention to detail enhances the overall visual experience and immerses viewers
in the historical setting.

B. Writing

Achilles: [Looking at his fellow warriors] "My brothers, we stand here united by honor and
loyalty. The gods may test us, but we shall remain steadfast in our commitment to each
other and to this cause."

Patroclus: [With determination] "Achilles, we are bound by more than blood. We fight not
only for ourselves but for the glory of our comrades. Our loyalty knows no bounds."

Odysseus: [Nodding in agreement] "Indeed, Achilles. Honor is not just about individual
achievements, but about upholding our oaths and protecting those who fight alongside
us. Our loyalty is the foundation of our strength."

Achilles: [Firmly] "Today, we shall prove our worth on the battlefield. Let our actions speak
of the unwavering loyalty and honor that reside within our hearts. For the glory of Greece!"

[They exchange determined looks, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, united in
their loyalty and dedication.]

This dialogue effectively captures the themes of loyalty and honor, emphasizing the
strong bond between the warriors and their commitment to a higher cause. It highlights
the importance of remaining loyal to one another and upholding principles of honor, even
in the face of adversity. The dialogue reinforces the notion that loyalty and honor are not
just personal virtues but also qualities that bind a group together, creating a sense of
unity and purpose.The words spoken by Achilles, Patroclus, and Odysseus convey a
sense of conviction and determination, inspiring others to uphold these values. Such
dialogue can resonate with viewers who appreciate the themes of loyalty and honor, as it
reinforces the ideals of selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to a shared
goal.
 C. Set Design
The setting of the movie "Troy" plays a significant role in influencing various elements
of the film. The setting of ancient Troy and the surrounding landscapes provide a visually
stunning backdrop for the film. The grandeur and beauty of the ancient city, as well as
the vast landscapes, contribute to the overall visual appeal. The setting helps to immerse
viewers in the world of ancient Greece, creating an atmospheric and visually captivating
experience. The setting of the Trojan War in ancient Greece serves as the historical
context for the events depicted in the film. The story draws upon the ancient Greek
mythology and epic poems, particularly "The Iliad" by Homer. The setting, therefore,
influences the narrative, characters, and overall tone of the film, as it reflects the cultural
and historical backdrop of the time. Overall, the setting of "Troy" greatly influences the
film's visual aesthetic, historical context, cultural details, battle sequences, and inclusion
of mythical elements. It shapes the overall atmosphere, authenticity, and immersion into
the ancient world, enhancing the film's storytelling and cinematic experience.

V.

In conclusion, the movie "Troy" is an epic adaptation of the ancient Greek mythological
tale and the Trojan War, taking inspiration from Homer's "The Iliad." While the film
captures the essence of the Trojan War and includes some key characters and events
from the original text, it also diverges in significant ways. One notable difference between
the movie and the book is the inclusion of a romantic relationship between Achilles and
Briseis. In "The Iliad," their relationship is portrayed differently, with Briseis being a captive
of Achilles but without a romantic involvement. The film introduces this love story as a
means to add emotional depth and complexity to the characters. Additionally, the movie
expands and alters certain battle scenes, taking creative liberties to enhance the visual
spectacle and the overall cinematic experience. While the general events of the Trojan
War are depicted, specific battles, strategies, and character actions may differ from the
descriptions in "The Iliad. Despite these differences, the movie "Troy" captures the
grandeur and intensity of the Trojan War, exploring themes of love, honor, loyalty, and the
devastating consequences of conflict. It utilizes the visual aesthetic and historical
context of ancient Troy to create an immersive experience for viewers. While some
purists may critique the film for its departures from the original source material, it's
important to recognize that adaptations often require creative changes to suit the
medium of film and cater to a wider audience. The movie provides a modern retelling of
the myth, blending historical elements with dramatic storytelling and captivating visuals.
In summary, the movie "Troy" offers a cinematic interpretation of the Trojan War,
diverging from "The Iliad" in certain aspects but still capturing the essence of the
mythological tale. It stands as a separate artistic vision that explores themes and
characters from the original text, appealing to audiences with its epic scope and visual
spectacle.