Some works really are those towering pieces of creation that automatically instil a feeling of respect for them, and after experiencing such works you are left feeling grateful for having been able to enjoy one of life's greatest mental and emotional nourishment. The Iliad, one of the oldest surviving texts, demands that respect, not because of its old age but for its timelessness. Yes, you are thrown into the middle of a 10 year long Greek-Trojan conflict, and it's natural to be intimidated before starting this journey because its reputation precedes it, but make use of technology and get the basic necessary context and choose the right translation (I wholeheartedly recommend Robert Fagles' one) and please just jump in and trust yourself and the beauty of the language to instantly grip you. Coming to the story itself, although I have read only a few books in my lifetime, this particular piece might be the grandest, the most brutal and yet one of the most complete works due to integrating a plethora of real human traits like aggression, fear, honour, pettiness, leadership, confusion, but most importantly trusting in Gods and their blessings but in yourself too and doing what's necessary even if Gods betray you. From detailed gory deaths to legendary men poking fun at each other, from slightly dragging heritage descriptions to relentless pacing of men and Gods taking the battle seriously, as a reader you just can't half-heartedly digest this grand feast, otherwise the loss is yours, the flavours were right there but you missed them. I have read every passage twice before heading to the next because the combined genius of Homer and Fagles would not allow you to just casually read, as every other line is enriched with beautiful imagery and delicious wording, and hence this is also my most underlined book till now. Achilles is more than everything that I heard about him, instantly one of my favourite literary figures. I was not prepared for Odysseus and how much he brings to the table. Giant Ajax and Diomedes are the backbone of the Greeks, and Patroclus cemented himself with his brief appearance. Hector is simply that man, he is everything that a man in his position must do if his fate is already sealed, and Aeneas got my special attention due to him reappearing in my future read, The Aeneid. The Gods, especially Zeus, provide a whole other layer of entertainment and their actions always intrigued me. I really can't properly conclude this piece that I started writing because I didn't even touch the most aura-inducing titles and epithets associated with men and Gods, some of the most memorable quotes, the breathtaking imagery of battlefields and Mount Olympus, the earnest description of physical attributes of characters and their armour and robes, or the way this poem fills you with all possible adrenaline and then at the next moment drains you completely, leaves you melancholic, and ultimately makes your day feel like an achievement having read it. Basically I haven't said anything meaningful because I'm really just incapable of adding anything to the legacy of this epic text. And now my Odyssey begins…