The Iliad was written in response to the overtaking of Mycenaean Greece by the Ionians, the Aeolians, and the Dorians. Although some people believe that Homer was a Mycenaean (read Aryan) Greek, we know so little about him that we’re not even sure if he was one person (I’m of the opinion that he is, but whatever). Needless to say, the speculation about who he was is endless. However, no one doubts that the Iliad was the most influential book on philosophy, religion, and just about anything to the Classical Greeks (the Dorians, Ionians, and Aeolians). Beyond that, as it gave Classical Greece a foundation, it’s also (along with the Bible) one of the foundational books of Western Culture. I’d highly recommend reading it.
The references to death are numerous in the Iliad. Most notably, death is described every time a hero dies. It usually goes something along the lines of, “but life and spirit ebbed from the broken man and he layed still” (V. aprox 300) or “death surging in his eyes took him, hard destiny” (V. 115). Needless to say, Homer paints a grimly realistic version of death. People die. It’s tough. And there’s not much of an afterlife. Souls flutter to Hades as a dim recollection of their previous selves. Ghosts may haunt the living, but they’re not happy souls. No one’s happy. Life sucks, but death sucks worse.
Similarly, in Achilles’ dramatic speech in book nine, he describes how terrible death is, in that it can never be undone. Stealing may be permissible, as one can always give back cattle or a cauldron, but once someone’s dead, they’re dead. (How very astute.)
Similarly, stories of Hades are told, notably how he was injured by Hercules in some battle of the Gods and had to return to Olympus to get it treated. Also, it’s mentioned that to curse someone, one strikes the ground and prays to Hades. Hades is seen not as evil, but as a force that cannot be denied—only put off. And a force to be feared and dreaded. Death will come, unfortunate as it is, and any sane person puts off the inevitable as long as possible.
Allusions to Hades also appear. Achilles, after the death of Patroclus, takes the form of Hades (or at least of someone already dead). Like death, Achilles kills like a force of nature, sparing no one in his path, including his one time friend, Lyacon (this is a marvelous speech).
Similarly, when Priam goes to fetch the dead body of Hector, he must cross through various geographical landmarks (the doors, the river), that resemble that of the Underworld. He is led by Hermes, and Achilles appears almost as Hades, seated impassively, awaiting him. The parallels go on and on.
Helen can also be compared to Persephone, with her phantom-like presence and cold beauty that leads men to early graves. As terribly beautiful as her half-sister, Helen’s abilities lie not only in her gorgeous face, but also in her abilities as a druggist (particularly with opium, or some other sedative, used in the Odyssey) and perhaps other forms of sorcery (see page for the Odyssey).