The Iliad/Book 1

Apollo’s father, Zeus was married to Hera. They lived in Mt. Olympus. They had a daughter named Athena, and there was the son, the Master Craftsman, Hephaestus. Agamemnon and Achilles both recieved prizes (Chrseis-Agamemnon's and Briseis-Achilles') for winnning a battle. Chryseis father, a priest who serves Apollo offered ransom for his daughter. Agamemnon refused and Chryses prays to Apollo who sends a plague. After man men and animals fall to this plague, Achilles is informed by Calchas about why the plague is here. Agamemnon then responds by saying he will release Chryseis if he can have Briseis, Achilles prize. Achilles is about to draw his sword when Athena had warned Achilles to hold his peace with Agamemnon so he would keep the favor with the gods. Achilles took heed to this warning. He did not strike Agamemnon with the sword, but he still departed on bad terms with him. Both men were at war with each other but Hera, the white-armed goddess loved both men. After Agamemnon set off to sea with Odyssey as his captain, he had vowed that since he had to give up the beauty of Chryseis, the high priest’s daughter, he would take Briseis from Achilles. He did just that, and Achilles was heartbroken. Achilles then prayed to his mother Thetis, (who had been a close friend and help to Zeus) to intervene on his behalf. Zeus knew if he caused Thetis prayer to come to pass, it would stir up trouble with his wife Hera. Zeus granted her wishes anyway. Hera was upset with Zeus, but their son Hephaestus persuaded her to make peace with Zeus because of the simple fact of his strength and power alone. The immortals had a feast with music. Zeus climbed into bed with Hera by his side.