Iliad Book XVIII
Characters in Book XVIII of the Iliad
Greeks
Achilleus is the leader of the Myrmidons, a group of Greek soldiers. He is the son of Peleus and
the grandson of Aiakos. Sometimes Achilleus is called Peleion in honor of his father,
sometimes Aiakides in honor of his grandfather.
Agamemnon is commander-in-chief of the Greeks. He is the brother of Menelaos who is the
husband of Helen, the woman that Paris brought to Troy.
Aiantes is the word used to refer to the two Greeks named Aias. Telamonian Aias is the son of
Telamon. “Swift” Aias is the son of Oileus.
Antilochos is the messenger who brings news of Patroklos’ death. He is the son of Nestor.
Patroklos is Achilleus’ best friend. He is the son of Menoitios.
Trojans
Hektor is a Trojan prince.
Poulydamas is a Trojan warrior known for
his sound advice.
Priam is the current king of Troy.
Deities
Charis is a wife of Hephaistos.
Hephaistos is the blacksmith of the gods. He makes Achilleus’ new armor.
Iris is a messenger goddess who brings word that Achilleus must arm himself.
Hera is the queen of the gods. She is a protectress of the Greeks.
Pallas Athene is the goddess of war. She is a protectress of the Greeks.
The epithet Pallas refers either to (1) Athene’s friend, Pallas, whom Athene killed during an
argument or (2) the word “pallas” itself which means “maiden.”
Phoibos Apollo is the sun god. Phoibos means “bright.”
Thetis is Achilleus’ mother. She is a Nereid, a daughter of Nereus, a sea-god.
Potentially Confusing References in the Iliad Book XVIII
Achaians are Greeks.
Ilion is Troy. The Troad is Troy and the area surrounding it.
Dardanians are Trojans.
The Skaian Gates are located in the wall surrounding Troy
