The Role of God Apollo in The Iliad

The Iliad, one of Homer's epic poems, is a fascinating exploration of the Trojan War. Within this saga, the god Apollo plays a significant and multifaceted role as a divine figure, influencing the events in profound ways. His involvement enhances the narrative, reflecting themes of fate, honor, and the interplay between divine forces and human actions.

God of Archery and Plague

Apollo is often depicted as a god of archery, capable of striking down warriors at a distance. Additionally, he has the power to send plagues, reflecting both his military prowess and the potential for divine retribution. An early instance of Apollo's wrath is seen when he unleashes a plague on the Greek camp in response to Agamemnon's disrespect towards his priest, Chryses. This act of divine retribution results in significant suffering among the Greek soldiers, adding a layer of divine judgment to the human conflict.

Supporter of the Trojans

Apollo is more than just a mere observer; he is a protector of the Trojans and frequently intervenes to their aid. He assists the Trojan prince Hector, often supporting him in battle against the Greeks. This allegiance to the Trojans is evident throughout the poem, illustrating Apollo's complex role in the war. His actions demonstrate how the gods actively shape the course of events, reflecting the belief in fate and the power of the divine over mortal lives.

Mediator of Fate

Apollo acts as a mediator between the gods and mortals, often delivering prophecies that guide the actions and decisions of various characters. His role as a messenger of the gods is crucial to the narrative, as he communicates the will of the divine to the heroes and warriors of the Iliad. This aspect of Apollo's character adds depth to the epic, highlighting the interplay between divine and human elements in the unfolding drama of the Trojan War.

Conflict with Achilles

The conflict between Apollo and Achilles is a central theme in the Iliad. After Agamemnon dishonors Achilles by taking Briseis, Achilles withdraws from battle. In response, Apollo supports Hector and the Trojans by empowering them. This conflict highlights the themes of honor, revenge, and the intense emotional turmoil that drives the characters in the epic. The battle between Achilles and Hector, where Apollo intervenes, is a key moment that shapes the course of the war.

Symbol of Divine Intervention

Throughout the Iliad, Apollo serves as a symbol of the influence of the divine in human affairs. His actions demonstrate how the gods actively shape the course of events. This is particularly evident when Apollo is thought to have sent a pestilence among the Achaean troops because of the way Menelaus treated a priest and his daughter. While the pestilence is likely described as a divine intervention, it is probable that a natural explanation would have sufficed for the historical accuracy of the account. The rapid spread of disease among large numbers of troops living in close proximity could have been a historical fact, adding a sense of realism to the divine revelations.

Interestingly, Apollo's role as a protector of Troy significantly wanes as the war progresses. By the end of the epic, when the city of Troy is razed to the ground, Apollo watches the devastation. Despite the Trojans' devotion, Apollo proves to be ineffective against the might of Achilles and Ulysses, highlighting the futility of divine support in the face of overwhelming human force.

In conclusion, Apollo's role in the Iliad underscores the interplay between divine forces and human actions, significantly impacting the narrative and the fates of key characters. His multifaceted role highlights the complex relationships between the gods and mortals, and the ways in which divine intervention shapes the course of human events.