Religion, God & War

Gods represent figures of power and strength beyond that of humans, and their presence in battles between Athenians and Trojans signifies the importance of war during this time period. Gods only intervene with human affairs when it comes to meaningful or consequential issues that require their grand power and knowledge. I do not argue that war is a minuscule issue that has no significance, but to see gods quarrel and involved so deeply within the subplots and actions of war is very interesting. The relationship between the gods and humans acknowledges the importance and righteous values of war.

When warriors call upon the gods for the strength and power to kill an enemy, their actions of murder are given meaning and purpose. As Menelaus attempts to kill Paris with his bronze lance he chants a prayer, “Zeus, King, give me revenge, he wronged me first! Illustrious Paris-crush him under my hand!” Menelaus attempts to justify his actions by acknowledging the power and greatness of the God Zeus and asking him to justify his actions as an act of revenge. When Menelaus fails to kill Paris and instead shatters his sword, he cries out to the god, “Father Zeus –no god’s more deadly than you.” This scene and dialogue represents the lack of power and control these warriors felt they had. The gods determined the fate of all men and it was their choice to grant life and take it away. Even though Menelaus was a great warrior, he did not possess the power to kill Paris alone without the help and favor of the gods.

The idea that god or gods influence war has been an essential aspect of warfare throughout history. When countries or nations wage war, gods always seem to appear as an essential ally of both sides. Regardless of religion or faith, some aspect of god is used to justify the reasons of war and all subsequent deaths. When you are involved in a war, it is only logical that you believe you are on the righteous side or the side of the gods. Religion has a universal appeal that people follow and believe with complete dedication.

The Iliad offers a direct approach where the audience is able to see the relationship between the gods and people. The belief of the gods and their power is extremely important in the outcome of the war. Book 5 begins, “Then Pallas Athena granted Tydeus’ son Diomedes strength and daring – so the fighter would shine forth and tower over the Argives and win himself great glory. The god’s are portrayed to have such great influence that without their power there would be no victor. The gods control the both the Trojans and Achaeans and their respective soldiers and warriors. The gods are always present and impacting the lives of men and the outcome of the war. The gods hold the life of man in their hands and have the ability to do with him as they please. The war may be between the Trojans and Acheans, but the gods seemed to be involved within war more so than any other mortal.