Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey are foundational works of Western literature and cornerstones of the ancient Greek literary tradition. Though they are distinct epics, they are deeply interwoven—linked by shared characters, the central events of the Trojan War, and the personal and political aftermath that ripples across generations.

These poems were composed in archaic Greece, traditionally dated to the 8th century BCE (around 750–700 BCE). Though attributed to Homer, a possibly blind bard whose historical existence remains uncertain, the epics likely grew out of a long oral tradition of storytelling and song, passed down by generations of aoidoi (singers) before being written down. The language used in the epics—Homeric Greek—is itself a literary amalgam, reflecting centuries of oral composition and dialectical layering.

While composed in the 8th century BCE, the events of The Iliad and The Odyssey are set in a much earlier era—the Late Bronze Age, around 1200 BCE, a time corresponding to the Mycenaean civilization in Greece. This setting is several centuries before Homer’s own time and reflects a kind of “heroic age,” an idealized past when kings were warriors, and gods interacted directly with mortals.

The Iliad

The Iliad is set during the final weeks of the Trojan War, a legendary conflict between the Greeks (Achaeans) and the city of Troy. The epic focuses not on the war as a whole, but on the wrath of Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, and the consequences of his withdrawal from battle following a dispute with Agamemnon, the leader of the Achaean forces. Themes of honor, fate, divine intervention, mortality, and the cost of glory run throughout.

The Odyssey

The Odyssey follows the long journey home of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, after the fall of Troy. The narrative combines mythical adventures—encounters with monsters, enchantresses, and vengeful gods—with a more intimate story of a man trying to return to his wife Penelope and reclaim his home from usurping suitors. The poem is both a heroic saga and a meditation on cunning, endurance, hospitality, and the meaning of home.

Together, these epics portray a richly imagined world of heroic ideals, divine caprice, and human struggle, shaping Greek identity for centuries and influencing literature, philosophy, and art across the Western world. Below is a guide to the major figures from both works, organized by epic and then by affiliation.

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Characters in The Iliad

Greek (Achaean) Side

Trojan Side

• Sarpedon: Son of Zeus and a respected ally of Troy, killed in battle.

Gods and Goddesses (Iliad)

• Zeus: King of the gods; attempts neutrality but favors Troy at times.
• Hera: Queen of the gods; supports the Greeks.
• Athena: Goddess of wisdom and war; a strong supporter of the Greeks.
• Apollo: God of archery and prophecy; ardent supporter of the Trojans.
• Aphrodite: Goddess of love; sides with Troy, protects Paris.
• Thetis: Sea goddess and mother of Achilles, advocates for him with Zeus.

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Characters in The Odyssey

Greek (Odysseus’ Household and Crew)

• Odysseus: Hero of The Odyssey. King of Ithaca. Known for his cunning and endurance. Takes ten years to return home after the Trojan War.
• Penelope: Faithful wife of Odysseus. Wards off suitors for 20 years with cleverness and resolve.
• Telemachus: Son of Odysseus and Penelope. Grows from a passive youth into a more capable man while searching for news of his father.
• Eurycleia: Loyal nurse who recognizes Odysseus by a scar.
• Eumaeus: Loyal swineherd who helps Odysseus reclaim his home.
• Philoetius: Loyal cowherd who aids in the slaughter of the suitors.

Suitors and Antagonists

• Antinous: Arrogant leader of the suitors. First to die upon Odysseus’ return.
• Eurymachus: Smooth-talking suitor; second-in-command.
• Melanthius: Disloyal goatherd; sides with the suitors.
• Melantho: Disloyal maidservant and lover of Eurymachus.

Mythical Figures and Encounters

• Calypso: Nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island, Ogygia, for seven years.
• Circe: Enchantress who turns Odysseus’ men into swine; later becomes his lover and advisor.
• Polyphemus: Cyclops and son of Poseidon. Blinded by Odysseus, which incites Poseidon's wrath.
• Tiresias: Blind prophet in the underworld who advises Odysseus.
• Nausicaa: Phaeacian princess who helps Odysseus when he is shipwrecked.
• Alcinous and Arete: King and queen of the Phaeacians. Provide Odysseus with safe passage home.
• Scylla and Charybdis: Sea monsters that Odysseus must navigate between.
• Sirens: Dangerous singers whose song lures sailors to destruction.

Gods and Goddesses (Odyssey)

• Athena: Odysseus’ primary divine supporter. Guides and protects him and Telemachus.
• Poseidon: God of the sea; enraged at Odysseus for blinding Polyphemus.
• Zeus: Oversees the fate of mortals; eventually allows Odysseus’ return.
• Hermes: Messenger god who helps Odysseus (e.g., gives him moly to resist Circe’s magic).
• Helios: Sun god whose sacred cattle are killed by Odysseus’ men, bringing divine punishment.

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Conclusion

Together, The Iliad and The Odyssey form a panoramic vision of ancient heroism, divine will, and human struggle. The characters are vivid and archetypal, and many have become foundational figures in Western storytelling. Whether on the battlefield of Troy or the long journey home to Ithaca, their stories continue to captivate readers across millennia.