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The Shield of Achillles The shield of Achillles plays a major part in the Illiad. It portrays the story of the Achaeans and their fight against the Trojans in a microcosm of the larger story. Forged by the god Hephaestus, who was a crippled smith, it depicts the two cities and the happenings within , as well as Agamemnon’s kingly estate. To gain insight into the happenings within the shield, and the King’s Estate …

…beauty in the intricacies, they also serve to represent the larger story of the Iliad and the war between the Aceans and the Trojans. It serves to remind the reader of what has taken place, as shown in the battle scenes, whille setting the scene for what is to come. It acts as a pause for the reader to step back and absorb the meaning on the events prior, and foreshadows the fall of Troy.