In the Iliad, it is important to recognize the unique personality traits and morals that the many characters encompass. While there is a wide variety of strengths, weaknesses, and values, characters can be clearly divided into two distinctly different groups. One is mortals and the other is immortals. This division is caused by mortals' fear of death and loss of family, as opposed to immortals' disdain for such concerns due to their immortality. The treatment of family members among the gods generally involves crude, vindictive, or selfish actions and conversations. There is no sense of protection or eternal, unconditional love between relatives. Instead, the gods see each other as obstacles and care little about how they influence each other (1. 594-600). These immortal characters threaten and physically harm each other as if it were commonplace. The lack of respect is found again and again, underlining the absence of family values ​​(8.12-30). There is little sincerity shown among the immortals because all their interactions are a facade for an ulterior motive. The gods use their seductive charm towards each other, only to move on in a superficial and self-centered manner. Power and control are far greater in the eyes of the gods, because they know that no matter what they say or do to their family, they will always be there. Unlike those who dwell in Olympus, mortals demonstrate the immense significance of their loved ones. those. The Trojans and Greeks would do anything to protect their families, including going to war and suffering countless losses. As aggressive and heartless as warriors may seem on the battlefield, their softer sides are revealed when they... middle of paper... humans were game to the gods, and often felt the need. destroy or end a life just to take revenge on another god (5. 476-479). This type of game shows the carelessness of the gods and speaks to the fact that without adversity of any kind, it is impossible to appreciate what you have and realize that it may never come back. Although there are many differences that separate mortals and immortals, it is important to recognize and understand the importance placed on family and death. Mortals are recognizable due to their range of emotions and lack of control over specific elements of life, including death. The immortals are more shocking, as they would have been to the mortals in the poem, because they were so hypocritical. One group may seem more favorable than the other, or may elicit more pity, but the reader might not get the full effect without both..