An ancient Greek epic poem about the Trojan War, or any long story full of battles, suffering, and adventure.
From Greek 'Ilias' referring to Ilium (Troy), composed by Homer around the 8th century BCE. The word became synonymous with any epic tale of woe and conflict.
Homer probably never wrote down the Iliad—ancient poets memorized and performed it orally, and it might be the work of multiple poets stitched together, making it one of history's greatest collaborative projects.
Homer's *Iliad* centers male warriors; female characters (Helen, Briseis) exist as conflict objects. Classical canon marginalizes women's agency in foundational literature.
Acknowledge women's roles and perspectives when discussing the text; supplement with women's retellings (e.g., Madeline Miller).
["classical epic","Homeric tradition"]
Women writers have reclaimed the *Iliad*'s narrative—Madeline Miller, Pat Barker, and others center female voices historically silenced in the original.
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