Exploring Heroism: Achilles and Hector in 'The Iliad'

Achilles and Hector: Warriors, Men, and Heroes as Depicted in Homer 's The Iliad

Homer 's epic heroic poem, The Iliad, was written in the 7th century BC. The Iliad concentrates on the Trojan War, a years-long series of battles during which a group of kings from Greece (primarily led by Agamemnon) repeatedly attacked the city of Troy. The reason for the war was to win back Helen, who was the wife of Agamemnon 's brother, Menelaus. Helen had been "stolen" by Hector 's younger brother, the Trojan prince Paris. Helen had incredible beauty and over a thousand ships were launched by the Greeks to attack Troy, giving us the phrase "the face that launched a thousand ships". The Iliad is set during the ninth year of the 10 year war, and covers a period of about three weeks. Upon reading the epic poem The Iliad it would seem that it was

His mother, Thetis, portends "that [Achilles] is destined for both an early death and misery beyond compare." (Homer, Book I, 438-439) Achilles fights to achieve eternal glory and to be remembered in history for his warrior efforts. Achilles knows that "If I stay here and fight, I 'll never return home, but my glory will be undying forever. If I return home to my dear fatherland my glory is lost but my life will be long and death that ends all will not catch me soon." (Homer Book IX 425-429) This is reflective of the Greek motivation; making it a personal quest. Fueled by his own desire to kill Hector and avenge the death of Patroclus, Achilles tells Hector that" [t]here are no binding oaths between men and lions- wolves and lambs can enjoy no meeting of the minds- they are all bent on hating each other to the death. So with you and me. No love between us. No truce till one or the other falls and gluts with blood." (Homer Book XXII, 309-314) This type of hero would more appeal to the Greeks hearing or reading the