Homer and the Will of Zeus

This article demonstrates how Homer employs the trope of the Boule Dios (the will of Zeus) as a kind of shorthand for the poetic program. In essence, the will of Zeus is the plot of an epic poem, and the invention of a plot is the first job of the poet. The essay demonstrates how Homer (or the epic tradition) can manipulate the will of Zeus to bestow or withhold kleos, the glory won in epic poetry, and demonstrates the extent to which the poet was free to use the tradition, as well as in what respects he was bound by it. It provides an account of Zeus's will as agent in fulfilling the request of Achilles, and offers as test cases the death of Sarpedon and the wall of the Achaean camp.