5 Essential Books Like The Iliad

The Iliad, an epic poem by the ancient Greek poet Homer, has captivated readers for centuries. Set during the Trojan War, the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by a coalition of Greek states, it tells the story of the hero Achilles and his rage-filled trajectory in the war. The Iliad tackles themes like heroism, honor, fate, and the capriciousness of the gods. If you love the grand sweep of Homer’s epic, check out these five essential books like The Iliad.

1. The Odyssey by Homer

No examination of books like The Iliad would be complete without mentioning its sister epic, The Odyssey.

The Odyssey is another epic poem attributed to Homer, and it serves as a sequel to The Iliad. It follows the hero Odysseus as he embarks on a ten-year journey to return home to his wife, Penelope, and his kingdom of Ithaca after the Trojan War. Odysseus encounters numerous obstacles, including mythical creatures and the wrath of gods. Like The Iliad, The Odyssey weaves its human narrative with the machinations of the divine, creating a rich and engaging story that has fascinated readers for generations.

Read or listen to The Odyssey by buying it here.

2. The Aeneid by Virgil

Virgil’s The Aeneid serves as a sort of Roman counterpart to the Greek epics of Homer. Written by the Roman poet Virgil between 29 and 19 BC, The Aeneid tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travels to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. The poem explores similar themes as The Iliad, such as heroism, fate, and the intervention of the gods, but it also serves as a national epic that explores the origins and mission of the Roman people.

Read or listen to The Aeneid by buying it here.

3. Beowulf (Author Unknown)

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem set in Scandinavia that stands as one of the earliest and most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. It features the hero Beowulf, who comes to the aid of the Danish king Hrothgar, whose hall is haunted by the monster Grendel. Beowulf later faces a fire-breathing dragon in a bold and selfless act of heroism. Like The Iliad, Beowulf presents the audience with a vivid world of heroes, monsters, and the interplay between human actions and supernatural forces.

Read or listen to Beowulf by buying it here.

4. Metamorphoses by Ovid

Metamorphoses is a Latin narrative poem by the Roman poet Ovid, completed in 8 AD. It’s a collection of stories about the transformation of gods and humans, featuring a dizzying array of mythological figures. Though not an epic in the traditional sense like The Iliad, Metamorphoses weaves together a tapestry of stories that highlight the changing nature of the world and the role of fate in the lives of both mortals and gods. The tales within Metamorphoses are powerful, imaginative, and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of classical mythology.

Read or listen to Metamorphoses by buying it here.

5. Paradise Lost by John Milton

John Milton’s Paradise Lost is a 17th-century epic poem that tells the story of the fall of Satan and the temptation of Adam and Eve, ultimately leading to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Written in blank verse, this mammoth work of literature is often considered one of the greatest poems in the English language. Milton employs a multitude of classical references and allusions, drawing heavily from the epics of Homer and Virgil. The grand scope and themes found in Paradise Lost make it a natural choice for fans of The Iliad.

Read or listen to Paradise Lost by buying it here.

Conclusion

The Iliad is an epic that has captivated readers for generations, and its themes of heroism, fate, and the divine continue to resonate today. If you love The Iliad, these five essential books offer similar themes, sweeping narratives, and unforgettable characters, all steeped in the richness of classical mythology and literature. Delve into these incredible works to experience the power and beauty of the epic tradition.

Read or listen to The Iliad by buying it here.