Achilles Vs. Hector

Achilles and Hector are both great men and strong warriors, but they differ in many ways. When contrasting Hector and Achilles it is quite apparent who the better hero is of the two, Hector. Although Achilles is a powerful leader, a strong warrior, and has good traits about himself they do not amount to those of Hector. Achilles and Hector although, both strong warriors differ in their leadership, human qualities, and family lives.

Hector and Achilles were both outstanding leaders at different times, and for different reasons. As a military leader Achilles had many more kills than Hector, but he was adamant. When comparing combat skills Hector is inferior to Achilles ability, but he is a far better commander. When comparing each warrior’s strengths and weaknesses it can be proven that Hector is the greater. Achilles always seemed to need help to win his battles in life, whether it was aid from a god, his immortality, or his indestructible armor. In the end of the epic when Hector was killed by Achilles, he was still assisted in doing so with the help of Athena. Unlike Hector, who had no aid from the gods and tried his hardest in every predicament he ran into. Hector is a loving husband, father, son and brother; and he is an even stronger warrior and leader because of these things. Although Achilles is a commendable fighter, he is an undependable leader who has a temper when he does not get what he wants. His skill in battle sometimes helps boost the hope of his fellow Greeks, but when he was growing up he was pampered and spoiled. As Hector grew up his siblings were captured by Achilles, sold as slaves, and shipped overseas to Samos, Imbros, and Lemnos. When Hector was later murdered by Achilles, it became all the more difficu...

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... Olympus and call in the debt that Zeus owes you” (1.367). This leads the reader to see that Hector has more people that care and grieve for him, this is also shown very clearly after Hectors death. His family and friends mourn for him back home and an emotional funeral service is held for him after his dead body is returned to his father. However before the body was returned it had been tortured by Achilles himself.

Achilles and Hector are both powerful fighters, but differ greatly in their leadership, human qualities, and family lives. After analyzing each of these three things it seems as though Hector is the greater of the two. Hector puts more emotion into his life and gives what he does a purpose. Achilles is a hard fighter, but is not admirable for much more than that. Although both are great men, Hector had more honor and more fulfillment to his life.