The Iliad, is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer. Written around the 8th century B.C., it is considered one of the oldest works of Western literature. The poem, written in dactylic hexameter, contains 15,693 lines and encompasses 24 books. The poem is set during the Trojan War, where the Achaeans engage with the city of Troy in a ten-year battle. The Iliad only covers a few weeks in the final year of this epic war.

In the telling of the war, the Iliad portrays the gods and goddesses of Olympus fighting amongst themselves. The deities participate in human warfare, often interfering with humans to counter the other gods.