Why the Iliad is Important for English Majors

So I recently finished Homer's The Iliad. This is a true western classic largely about Achilles, Hector and the Siege of Troy. I found it surprising that that the story ultimately has no beginning or end in terms of the Trojan War as the story starts and ends before the war begins or ends. Perhaps most striking, The Iliad does not even include the story of the Trojan Horse. The events of this long poem are largely covered in Olivia Coolidge's The Trojan War, which I actually prefer over Homer's The Iliad.
While The Iliad is important for Classic and Classical Study majors, it is important for English majors as well. It has tremendous influence on many English writers including Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, John Milton and many more! English majors then should read this book at least once as it had a tremendous influence upon past English Literature, and probably continues to do so today.
I usually don't post about literature of the Ancient or Classical World but about literature of Britain.  However, today I decided to write about The Iliad as it laid the foundations essentially for all of Western Literature. 
I have been reading Homer's The Odyssey for sometime. I personally prefer this sequel over its forberaer. While The Iliad is principally all about the Trojan War, The Odyssey I have found to not necessarily be a better story, but to be written more smoothly.  
I am a big fan of the Greco-Roman myths, and have used these stories for inspiration to my Medieval novels for years. One doesn't have to specialize in the Classical world to enjoy these great works by Homer.