How are the Iliad and the Odyssey connected to the Trojan War?

The Iliad and the Odyssey, both traditionally attributed to the poet Homer, are foundational epic poems deeply connected to the cycle of myths surrounding the Trojan War.21

The Iliad focuses on a specific, brief period during the final year of the 10-year siege of Troy. It centers on the wrath of the Greek warrior Achilles and the consequences of his withdrawal from battle.23

The Odyssey serves as a chronological successor to the Iliad. While the Iliad depicts the conflict at Troy, the Odyssey details the long, arduous journey of the hero Odysseus as he attempts to return home to Ithaca following the war's conclusion. Together, these works represent the earliest literary evidence of the Trojan War legends, blending historical settings with mythological narratives.143