What is the origin of the name 'Iliad'

The epic poem known as ‘The Iliad’ is one of the most revered and influential works in Western literature. It tells the story of the Trojan War, a legendary conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans. But have you ever wondered about the origin of the name ‘Iliad’?

The name ‘Iliad’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Iliás’, which means ‘pertaining to Ilios’. Ilios is the ancient Greek name for the city of Troy, the setting of the epic poem. The ‘Iliad’ essentially translates to ‘the story of Ilios’ or ‘the story of Troy’.

The roots of the name ‘Ilios’ itself can be traced back to various sources. According to Greek mythology, Ilios was the son of Tros, the founder of Troy. Legend has it that Zeus, the king of the gods, fell in love with Tros’ son Ganymede and whisked him away to Mount Olympus to serve as his cup-bearer. In honor of his son, Tros renamed the city ‘Ilion’, which later evolved into Ilios.

Another theory suggests that the name Ilios is connected to the Hittite word ‘Wilusa’, which is thought to be an alternate name for Troy. The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian civilization that flourished during the Bronze Age, and their influence on the region is significant. Some scholars believe that the Greeks adapted the Hittite name to their own language, leading to the name ‘Ilios’.

The usage of the name ‘Iliad’ to refer specifically to the epic poem did not happen immediately. In fact, the poem was only given this title by later scholars. In the ancient Greek world, the poem was simply known as ‘The Poem of Ilion’ or ‘The Poem of Troy’. It was not until the Alexandrian period, around the 3rd century BC, that the name ‘Iliad’ began to circulate.

The Alexandrians were scholars based in the city of Alexandria and were known for their meticulous study and preservation of ancient texts. They were responsible for compiling and creating the first critical edition of Homer’s works, including ‘The Iliad’. It was during this process that they decided to call the poem ‘Iliad’, which eventually stuck and became the widely accepted name.

The fame and impact of ‘The Iliad’ grew steadily over the centuries. Its name became synonymous with epic storytelling and heroic deeds, influencing countless works of literature and art. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the complexities of war, making it a timeless masterpiece.

In conclusion, the name ‘Iliad’ finds its roots in the ancient Greek word ‘Iliás’, meaning ‘pertaining to Ilios’ or ‘the story of Troy’. The origins of Ilios itself can be traced back to Greek mythology or the Hittite culture. It was during the Alexandrian period that the epic poem was given the name ‘Iliad’ by scholars. Today, ‘The Iliad’ continues to captivate readers with its timeless tale of honor and war.