As it appears, gods are important to all major characters in the Iliad. It also appears that without the concept of gods in this story, it would be empty. This means that the role of the gods themselves is vital, as they form a part of every nearly character’s representation. To begin with, both characters Homer and Achilles converse with the gods. In book one the reader witnesses Homer summon the goddess of poetry and inspiration to sing out Achilles anger. Homer says, “Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans” (Book 1, The Iliad). In contrast to Homer calling upon the goddess, Achilles is angered and answers back. In his answer, Achilles says, “You have baulked me, Far-Darter, most malicious of all gods, and have drawn me away from the wall, … you have robbed me of great glory and have saved the Trojans at no risk to yourself, for you have nothing to fear, but I would indeed have my revenge if it were in my power to do so” (Book 22, The Iliad). It is quite apparent that the two characters here are ones that have conflicting approaches to their communications with the gods. This is because Homer invokes the goddess of poetry, and requests her to sing for him. In contrast to this, Achilles is an angered individual, and shows open his anger at the gods. However, it is apparent also that the gods did not really like him. This is expressed in Priam’s words when hector went out to face Achilles. He first says, “my son, stay not to face this man alone and unsupported, or you will meet death at the hands of the son of Peleus, for he is mightier than you” (Book 22, The Iliad). These words of Priam announce Achilles strength. However, the following words speak of how well people knew their gods. Priam cries out with confidence about what the gods think of Achilles. He cries, “Monster that he is; would indeed that the gods loved him no better than I do, for so, dogs and vultures would soon devour him as he lay stretched on earth, and aload of grief would be lifted from my heart, for many a brave son has he reft from me” (Book 22, The Iliad).

The confidence that Priam has in the gods is similar to Homer’s confidence in the goddess of poetry when he invokes her. He was confident of her arrival and her presentation. In addition to this, one can also observe the similarity between his words and Priam’s words when he refers to the gods. Homer also speaks of death to men, when he says, “Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures” (Book 1, The Iliad). It is through these words that one can detect a consensual view of the gods. It is evident that everyone was aware of the power of the gods; they knew that the gods had immense power, and could grant wishes as well as unleash their wrath upon those they found offensive. With regard to those who invoked their names in times of need, the gods certainly helped them. This is witnessed when the Old Man was intimidated by King Agamemnon. With apparently no other way out other than obeying Agamemnon, the Old Man prays to Apollo. He says, “O god of the silver bow, that protectest Chryse and holy Cilla and rulest Tenedos with thy might, hear me oh thou of Sminthe. If I have ever decked your temple with garlands, or burned your thigh-bones in fat of bulls or goats, grant my prayer, and let your arrows avenge these my tears upon the Danaans” (Book 1, The Iliad). The old Man humbled himself before Apollo, and his prayer was heard. The humility observed in this prayer is in complete contrast to what a reader witnesses when Achilles communicates with the gods. Achilles was rude and blamed the gods for whatever situation he was placed in. Instead of asking the gods for guidance or help he blamed them. This is a particular point at which the old man differs from Achilles when they communicate with the gods.

In addition to the humility through which the old man was able to invoke Apollo, there are more aspects of the gods visible. In book 1, it is evident that the gods have immense power as well. This is demonstrated in the following words, “if we would escape destruction, for we are being cut down by war and pestilence at once” (Book 1, The Iliad). Through these words it is evident that the gods could be angered or disappointed and curse those who displease them. Due to this, fear is the most natural reaction and is the reason why the following words were uttered, “Let us ask some priest or prophet, or some reader of dreams (for dreams, too, are of Jove) who can tell us why Phoebus Apollo is so angry” (Book 1, The Iliad). Through this it is evident that whatever the people were experiencing here was believed to be the result of a curse or a displeased god. “who can tell us why Phoebus Apollo is so angry and say whether it is for some vow that we have broken, or hecatomb that we have not offered, and whether he will accept the savor of lambs and goats without blemish, so as to take away the plague from us” (Book 1, The Iliad).

Through these words it is evident that the people also believe that the god could stop this wrath if they offered something that could please him. Reinforcing the way that the gods could be subdued are the words of a god watching over hector when Achilles was in pursuit of him. The Sire of gods said, “Alas my eyes behold a man who is dear to me being pursued round the walls of Troy; my heart is full of pity for Hector, who has burned the thigh-bones of many a heifer in my honor” (Book 22, The Iliad). This means that whoever is under pestilence may still have a chance of saving themselves if they show their humility. However, all the gods did not agree, and Hector had to die before his people. It is evident here in book 22 that the gods had to consensually agree when they had to save pr condemn people. Indeed, their powers would have a great deal to do with what their decisions would be. With hector in chapter 22, the view of gods tells one that they had to agree with each other before they decided to do anything. In contrast to this, in book 1, the gods presented themselves and their attributes independent of other gods. This is demonstrated by the goddess of poetry as well as Apollo.