Another key element in the development and story of the Iliad is the prodigious role of the polytheistic beliefs of the Trojans and Achaeans. As can be seen in the Virtual Iliad, many actions are taken or acted upon as a result of "theistic" beliefs and suspected "divine intervention".

Different "gods" were interpeted as being for different armies, i.e. Apollo for the Trojans, and Athena for the Achaeans. Most of the people that are in the story all seem to believe that most or all of their actions are already predetermined or in control of the "gods". The first quote at the top of this page is just one reference to how Homer makes constant references to the "gods" and their ability to control mortal lives, actions, and consequences.