everything. Without honour, a man loses value.
Role of the Gods: The Greek society believes gods decide human fate. Gods guide, punish, and protect people. Apollo sends plague when his priest is insulted. Athena helps Greek warriors in battle. Zeus, the king of gods, controls destiny. Homer says,
“Whoever obeys the gods, the gods will favor.”
This line reflects the belief of the time. In this society, people must pray, sacrifice, and obey. The gods are part of daily life. Society cannot imagine life without them.
Social Status and Leadership: Society is divided by rank and power. Kings and leaders stand above others. Agamemnon leads because he is king. Even strong warriors like Achilles must show respect. Homer says,
“A king is entitled to honor above all men.”
This shows the right of rulers. Society depends on order and command. Warriors and common men follow their chiefs. That means that the highest honor is for leaders. Homer’s picture is very real and historical.
Family and Friendship: Family is a strong part of society. Hector loves his wife Andromache, and his son. He knows he may not return from war. She cries and says,
“Hector, you are my everything now: my father,
my mother, my brother – and my beloved husband.”
This scene shows real family love. Friendship is also deep. Achilles cries for Patroclus like a brother. These relations make the poem real. Homer shows how Greeks valued home, love, and loyalty.
Fate and Mortality: The society in “The Iliad” believes in fate. People think no man can escape his time of death. Hector accepts his fate before fighting Achilles. He says,
“No man shall send me to Hades before my time.”
This belief guides human action. Death is certain, but men still fight for honour. War shows life’s harsh truth. Homer does not hide pain, blood, or loss. This picture of fate and death makes Homer a realist poet.
In termination, we can say that Homer’s “The Iliad” presents the society of ancient Greece in a true way. Honour, gods, kingship, family, and fate shape life. War is cruel but part of human destiny. The picture is not ideal, but real. It shows the values and fears of common people and leaders alike. Homer paints life as it was. This makes him a true realist of Greek society.
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