"We eternal gods... Ah, what chilling blows we suffer, thanks to our conflicting wills, whenever we show these mortal men a little kindness." (Iliad Book 5). The role of the gods is a constant theme that recurs repeatedly in Homer's Iliad. This quote represents the power and control of many gods and goddesses. In the Iliad the gods and goddesses sided with the mortals in whom they found favor. The gods' roles towards mortals included using humans, having connections with mortals, and other gods. They also determine battles between mortals and ultimately determine which side wins the battle. Some characteristics of the god and goddess include jealousy, revenge, and flattery. Non-mortals also had flaws like vanity, meanness, and any other human characteristics we regularly display. Another example of the characteristics of gods and goddesses is that they cannot be the heroes of the story since they are not immortal. Gods and goddesses play an important role in the epic of the Iliad. Favor is shown over and over again in the play. The characteristic of the gods and goddess to favor is also demonstrated in the first book, as Homer already describes divine intervention in the lives of the characters. With our outlook on life, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the actions and thoughts of the Greek gods and goddesses, but this is due to the fact that the book was written in the 8th century. The gods chose who they would favor for several reasons, such as Aphrodite choosing the Trojans because Paris claimed she was the most beautiful of her sisters. Zeus' wife, Hera, exhibited the most typical actions of a god. After Paris, a Trojan, judged Aphrodite to be the most beautiful of Hera. There were also gods who favored the Trojans... middle of paper... Oddities are prized in this poem and this is because they have such power over mortals, as they can create or destroy someone or something at their liking. The Greek gods and goddesses are made in the image of humans and that is why they behave like them at the same time. In the poem there are many examples of how emotional immortals can become by showing their pettiness, jealousy and anger; just like humans, god and goddess have been in discussions, relationships and another human life brings us daily. Another characteristic of the god and goddess is taking sides and this is demonstrated throughout the Trojan War as half of the mortals take the Greek side and the other take the Trojan side. Throughout this epic it is shown that the god and goddess play such a significant role in the Olympian community. God and Goddess are the fundamental rulers of the immortals.