Fate In The Iliad Essay

Fate is referred to the occurrence of an event that happen beyond one’s control in which is determined by a supernatural power. In The Iliad, Homer mentions fate quite often whether it be in regards to the characters’ lives, or the outcome of what happens when an action is done. As a result, the atmosphere of the epic itself then becomes altered and makes the poem more interesting. Although one may not have complete control over what life brings to them in the poem, they are able to influence what happens to them based on their actions. There are many times in the play where it seems as if a man or woman has no control over their fate, however their consequences are determined based on their actions or decisions made throughout the play, and thus the character or God controls their fate. How fate is presented, the role it plays in character lives, and the outcome of the atmosphere will all be presented in this essay. The role of fate presented in the Iliad often plays a part in the characters’ lives and has a fierce influence on the atmosphere of the epic itself and the outcome of not only the characters, but the epic as well.
The men specifically, fight thinking that it is soon time to die, and as a self-fulfilling prophecy, it will happen, however, fate determines whether they live or die. Several of the God’s, including Zeus, Apollo, and Hephaestus help determine the fate of their existence by placing them at war. Although the influence of the God’s could have affected these men at battle, there is no way they can really and truly stop fate, since fate is destined in regards to who dies and who lives. The influences of the God’s however have the ability to manipulate their way of death. An example of this is during the Trojan War when Zeus pretty much controls the entire battle. Zeus had a plan to make Achilles glorious, and it could’ve been ruined if Hera didn’t stop