Hidden knowledge in the Iliad is exemplified through what the gods know and what information th

Another character in the text, Joseph, also utilizes esoteric knowledge to test his own brothers. As a head authority figure in Egypt, Joseph does not reveal his identity to his brothers and sends them on long repeated journeys. “When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke harshly to them,” (Genesis 42:7). Joseph tests his brother’s by using the power and influence he has been able to gain. Not until he sees his father and only after he recognizes good will in his brothers does Joseph reveal his identity. By putting them through hardship, Joseph sees the true nature of his brothers. Furthermore, when he reveals his identity, Joseph teaches his brothers a lesson by showing them that he has been able to rise above the misfortune that they put upon him. “ ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And do not be distressed…for God has sent me before you to preserve life,” (Genesis 45:4-5). After seeing that his brother’s will endure hardship for each other, Joseph forgives them and reunites with his family. Just as God used esoteric knowledge about the fruit to test Adam and Eve, Joseph also tests his brothers using esoteric knowledge about his identity.

As the war dwindles, the gods intervene in the mortals’ affairs to create the results they desire as when they debate about the lives of Achilles and Hektor. By the tip of Zeus’ scale, Hektor is doomed to death and Achilles is deemed to live. “Then the Father balanced his golden scales, and in them he set two fateful portions of death…one for Achilleus, and one for Hektor, and balanced it by the middle; and Hektor’s death–day was heavier and dragged downward toward death,” (Iliad XII: 209). Athena again assumes another mortal’s identity, this time as Hektor’s best friend Deiphobos, and tricks Hektor into facing Achilles at his last and fatal battle. The gods’ personal interests override any mortal consideration and through deception and manipulation, divine power rules. The gods of course know of Athena’s plans because she is acting on their behalf. Achilles and Hektor also gain the knowledge of Athena’s disguise but at different times and contexts. The goddess Athena reveals herself to Achilles before taking her disguise and tells him to stay while she persuades Hektor to stand up to Achilles in combat. The knowledge of Athena’s intentions invigorates Achilles with confidence and facilitates in his easy victory over Hektor. Hektor, on the other hand, does not realize what Athena has done until it is too late and sees that his dear friend is not by his side. “ ‘No use. Here at last the gods have summoned me deathward. I thought Deiphobos was here close beside me, but he is behind the wall and it was Athene cheating me,’ ” (Iliad XXII: 297). Realizing that

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