The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem by Homer which dates back to 8th century BC. This epic recounts the events that occurred during a small period of the Trojan War. When Agamemnon refused to return Chryseis to her father, Apollo sends a plague to the Greeks, which takes many lives. Subsequently, the Greeks agree to the return of Chryses. Agamemnon, however, insists that he must have another man's prize in exchange. He demands Briseis, the woman given to Achilleus in the same siege. Achilleus, in anger, immediately withdraws himself and his troops from the fighting with Troy. Without Achilleus' support, the Greeks are at a loss. However, Achilleus returns to the battlefield when grief and rage overwhelms him as he learns that his warrior-companion, Patroklos, has been slaughtered by Hector.The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem by Homer which dates back to 8th century BC. This epic recounts the events that occurred during a small period of the Trojan War. When Agamemnon refused to return Chryseis to her father, Apollo sends a plague to the Greeks, which takes many lives. Subsequently, the Greeks agree to the return of Chryses. Agamemnon, however, insists that he must have another man's prize in exchange. He demands Briseis, the woman given to Achilleus in the same siege. Achilleus, in anger, immediately withdraws himself and his troops from the fighting with Troy. Without Achilleus' support, the Greeks are at a loss. However, Achilleus returns to the battlefield when grief and rage overwhelms him as he learns that his warrior-companion, Patroklos, has been slaughtered by Hector.