The Iliad (4)

If you were to change one event or chapter from the Iliad, and replace it with your own story, what chapter or episode will that be?

Write your “version” of the story.

Narrate how it will affect the entire story or ending of the Iliad.

Although the Iliad is perfectly written and composed, the opportunity to change any given event did strike my interest. Despite of the wide selection of chapters, I choose to rewrite the very first. Please don’t jump to the conclusion that I’m taking the easy way out by changing chapter one. I chose this out of all the other chapters because this is where the very first event triggered the chain reactions that lead to what we all know now as the Iliad. By changing this key chapter, I in turn change the whole outcome of the epic.

Chapter Zero

With the reason for Apollo’s anger uncovered by Calchas, Achilles turns to Agamemnon to give up Chryseis and stop the death and decay of their kingdom. With no other choice, Agamemnon reluctantly gives up Chryseis but instead turns his sight towards Briseis. Achilles boils up with anger and malicious intentions but instead, cools down and starts to think. With Apollo’s rage subdued, their kingdom can start to replenish. It would be unwise if he would rebel against Agamemnon at these times. He gallantly accepts Agamemnon’s choices and lives to fight alongside him for years more to come.

As the events would pass by, the Greeks continue their reign with king Agamemnon and mighty Achilles together with the same intentions. Agamemnon, seeing Achilles as one of his most loyal warriors puts aside his stubbornness just this once and returns Briseis to the rightful hands. Achilles is thankful and is now even more empowered to serve this kingdom and decimate all who oppose it. This loyalty takes form further as Agamemnon and Achilles fight against the people of Troy leading a path of blight as they triumphantly march across the battlefield.

That is how my version of chapter one would go. Needless to say, by just changing that crucial event whole new story would unfold. It would be distinct in all aspects but would not appeal to all who reads it.