Readers of The Iliad may believe that the immortal gods of Mount Olympus respond to grief the same way as humans do. It is true that the gods in The Iliad express grief over the death of their children similarly to humans. The gods argue, forgive, and reason much like the mortals in the story. Their behavior is analogous to human behavior and subsequently facilitates the reader’s understanding. However, Zeus and Achilles do not respond to grief in the exact same way. Although they portray corresponding expressions, Zeus and Achilles have dissimilar reactions to grief. If readers misunderstand the capabilities of gods and humans then they will be unable to recognize the difference between gods and humans reacting to grief over the death of …show more content…
The messenger, Antilochus, goes as far as to grab his hands, so as to prevent Achilles from committing suicide. Like Zeus, Achilles sheds tears and conveys his sorrow. Whether it be a “wrenching cry” or “tears of blood” the expressions are almost identical. Therefore it is reasonable for a reader to assume gods suffer as humans do. Furthermore, it’s not about how they express grief; but how they endure grief. Achilles and Zeus have dissimilar reactions to the death of humans. Moreover, it can be said that Zeus could have removed Sarpedon from battle. A reader can easily misunderstand the gods’ capabilities and not realize that gods can only observe fate as it unfolds but not control it. There are numerous examples of the gods restraining from manipulating their sons’ fate. Specifically, Hera warns Zeus that, “If you send Sarpedon home, living still, beware! Then surely some other god will want to sweep his own son clear of the heavy fighting too. Look down. Many who battle round King Priam’s mighty walls are sons of deathless gods-you will inspire lethal anger in them all” . Hera cautions Zeus not to take action, otherwise chaos will ensue. The