Revenge, justice and destiny are three main themes intertwined in the Iliad. The book opens with Achilles' anger in response to his dishonor, then immediately moves to an earlier incident in which a priest of Zeus' son (Apollo) suffered a similar loss. The situation in the Greek camp when Apollo hits it with the plague after the dishonor of Chryses is the same as when Zeus decides to destroy the Geeks as punishment for taking Briseis from Achilles. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. However, the difference is that while Apollo has the ability to immediately inflict meritorious punishment, Zeus cannot, as he is in a higher position in the universe and needs to make judgments and decisions regarding fate before acting. Zeus is the guide of destiny who ensures that everyone receives their fair share. Achilles' premature death and honor are his destiny. Therefore, Zeus is the only god he can appeal to for justice. Homer begins the poem with stark images of the cost of war, the death and destruction that had to occur by Zeus's will in order for Achilles' honor to be restored. to him. The Greeks viewed death with disgust, for there was no honor in flitting back and forth aimlessly forever in a state of nothingness in the underworld of Hades. So Achilles' fate to die prematurely and at the same time be honored is somewhat contradictory and why his dishonor goes against the natural order. In the last line, Thetis says "Grant my son the honor he deserves." Zeus is the only one who can grant Achilles his honor and punish the Greeks instead of any other god since Achilles is closer to him and since this will set Achilles' destiny in motion. In the event of war, there is no arbiter who will grant Achilles the justice he deserves, so he must turn to Zeus to win it back. Although Thetis considers this a "personal affront", she specifically asks Zeus to grant her justice, knowing that this will involve the Greeks in the process and cause their destruction. This is further supported by lines 255-257 where Achilles clearly demonstrates that he is aware of what will happen to the Greeks if he withdraws from the war. However, he implores Thetis to appeal to the highest court of justice – Zeus – who is also aware of what needs to be done to restore her honor and at the same time restore the natural order of the universe. Achilles' fate is his early death and his honor; both are mentioned in the same line (535) by Thetis. Chryses' dishonor has nothing to do with his fate, which is why he calls upon Apollo instead of Zeus. Both Thetis and Chryses are in close relationships with the gods and this has an impact on the justice that is demanded of them. While Chryses is merely a mortal priest, Thetis is herself a goddess – lines 532-533 show her exalted position among the gods – and can therefore appeal to the higher court of justice for her son. So the punishment that begins to rain down on the Greeks in the situation of Achilles' dishonor is much greater, for two reasons. First, Achilles is himself half-immortal and a beloved of Zeus. Second, his dishonor is necessary to set in motion the chain of events that seal the fate of the Greeks and Trojans. In line 368, it is mentioned that Zeus was the one who should grant him his honor. For Achilles' honor is tied to his untimely death and both must be his fate - and only Zeus can be invoked in matters as important as fate. – it is logical that Teti calls him for. (1. 532-542)