How Do Humans Influence The Gods In The Iliad

Some of the most notable characters in The Iliad include the gods. However, the actions and relationships of the gods with the humans provide much confusion as to their motives. Many believe that the gods provide little structure or help to man. They seem only to muddle the situations that humans encounter, and exhibit great bias towards those they have fondness for. Furthermore, one must ask whether the gods do intend to help the Greeks and other people, or if they truly process a fickle nature with no regard to destiny. In addition, the question of human influence over gods presents itself when further studying examples and evidence. Though often regarded as both fickle , biased, and the sole influencers of humans, the gods support a system of structure, but do not hold the sole power of influence, nor do they possess an entirely inconsistent nature. …show more content…
However, within The Iliad, plentiful examples exist which suggest that humans bear some influence over the gods themselves. The plot provides one such example. Had the capture of Chrysies not occurred, her father, Chryses, would have no obligation to seek out Apollo’s help in recapturing his daughter. Without the influence of Chryses, the conflict of The Iliad would never have occurred. Even Agamemnon’s seizing of Briseis causes great anguish to Achilles, provoking Achilles’ departure from fighting for an extended period. Events such as these suggest that perhaps men sometimes provide the origin of the gods’ actions. These examples name few of the events in which man seems to hold greater sway over the gods