Editing Iliad (section)

=== Achaeans ===
'''<u>Achilles</u>''' is the central character of the Iliad. Before the events of the epic, Achilles had been the most formidable warrior on the Greek side, earning a reputation for his martial prowess; he is said to have killed many Trojans and their allies, including the <u>Amazon</u> queen, '''Penthesilea''', and the <u>Ethiopian</u> king, '''Memnon'''. He led the Greeks in the successful siege at Thebe, and capture of 12 cities in the <u>Troad</u> (the region around Troy), as well as 11 cities in similar campaigns across the <u>Aegean Sea</u>. He was old enough to be a seasoned soldier, fighting since the beginning of the war, but still young enough to be considered in the prime of his life (likely mid-to-late 20s), and was the son of '''Peleus''', king of the '''Myrmidons''' in '''Phthia''' (in <u>Thessaly</u>), and the sea-nymph '''Thetis''', who tried, and failed, to make him immortal.

'''<u>Agamemnon</u>''' was the commander-in-chief of the combined '''Achaean''' forces; he spent years orchestrating the Greek siege of Troy, leading to the battles and managing the complex dynamics of the Greek coalition. He takes a more leading role in the events of the war than his brother Menelaus, though ostensibly the war is between Sparta (Menelaus' kingdom) and Troy; and it is Menelaus' wife who was abducted. Agamemnon is the 'king of kings,' the leader of an entire Achaean coalition against Troy and has a duty to perform. The Greek expedition to Troy was a coalition of many city-states, each with its own leader; they were bound by oaths to assist; Agamemnon, as the most powerful king and the brother of Menelaus, was the natural choice for the role of commander-in-chief.

'''<u>Odysseus</u>''', king of '''Ithaca''', was known for his cunning and eloquence; he was instrumental in many key strategies, including the idea of the <u>Trojan Horse</u> (which is not described in the Iliad but is part of the larger Trojan War saga). He also undertook diplomatic missions and participated actively in skirmishes and battles.

'''<u>Menelaus</u>''' was Helen's husband and had personal stakes in the conflict, king of Sparta and brother to Agamemnon. 

'''<u>Patroclus</u>''' was Achilles' closest comrade; he played a background role for much of the war, until Achilles' withdrawal from battle when he became more prominent, eventually donning Achilles' armor and leading the Myrmidons in an attempt to lift the siege on the Greek ships, a decision that would lead to his death at the hands of '''Hector'''.

'''<u>Diomedes</u>''' is the king of '''Argos''', the son of '''Tydeus''', a hero of the previous generation who participated in the legendary expedition of the '''[[Seven Against Thebes]]'''. Known for his bravery, martial prowess, and strategic acumen, he distinguishes himself as one of the most formidable warriors on the Achaean side. His character embodies the ancient Greek ideals of heroism, valor, and honor, making him a central figure in the epic narrative. 

'''<u>Phoenix</u>''' is an older warrior and a former member of the royal household in Phthia, where Achilles grew up. He had a key role in raising and educating Achilles on behalf of king Peleus. Phoenix's teachings included not just the arts of war but also the values and responsibilities of being a noble and a leader.