Hector And Achilles's Core Values In The Iliad

The Greek civilization has brought a wide-range of intellect and visionary philosophies over time. Over a long period, new theories and arts began to embellish. One great art that came about and flourished is Homer’s novel, The Iliad. Throughout this classic novel, Homer emphasized the Greek God’s values through their actions and morals which contributed to their courageous and prideful attributes. In Greek literature, the heroes Hector and Achilles reflect the core values of honor, warfare dexterity, and pride.
Honor is an overall trademark for Greek heroes, especially during wars. Sometimes their honor could lead them into personal conflicts and death. In the Iliad, Achilles’ rage towards Agamemnon was perceived as a personal attack on his

honor.

In great fury, Achilles says, “You do not look left or right. And now you threaten to strip me of my prize in person- the one I fought for long and hard”… (Homer 82). In responds to the disagreement, Achilles withdraws from fighting for Agamemnon. He feels that if he backs down from Agamemnon orders, he will deprive himself of the respect from others and diminish his own integrity. When Agamemnon made the decision of taking Briseis to replacement Chrysies, it showed public disrespect by the Achaean leader. Discrete senses of pride and honor blinded the two warriors of bigger issues that the city of Troy was facing. Homer shows that noble human traits can be sabotaged by emotion of pettiness and irrationality. As illogicality and integrity overtakes the warrior’s spirits, they apprehend the troubles they are bound to face. When Agamemnon realizes he needs Achilles, he tries to bribe him with great

treasures. Achilles responds by saying, “He cheated me, did me damage, wrong! But never again, he will never rob me blind with his twisting words again” (Homer 264). Achilles realizes that the King’s offers are beyond any of his wishes, but what means more to him is the respect the leader has for him. Because he freely chose to not accept the honorable settlement, he is most responsible of Patroclus death. Homer shows that Greek warrior’s honor dominates their love for material object and their love for their family members.
Often time the characteristic, pride, is depicted as a destructive force. In the Iliad, many conflicts came about because of the pride fullness of the warriors; Achilles, Agamemnon, and Hector. On the other hand the value of pride is beneficial during battle. Warriors are often reminded of their reputation which make them fight harder, thus saving their comrades and their own lives. Hector knew that he was going to die so he says, “ At least I will not die without a struggle but in some great deed of arms which men yet to be born will tell each other” ( Homer 273). Hector would have rather died in the arms of a dexterous fighter than a man who does not take his uprightness to the soul. Although Hector tried to flee from the inevitable, the Gods gave him advice about is fate. In regards to his death, he could not run from his destiny. It is better to face the invulnerable and obstructive Achilles, than to run and deteriorate what would be left of his legacy. When Achilles killed Hector, he, “Then lashed his horses and round and round the walls of Troy he dragged all that was left of the glorious Hector” (Homer 274). Achilles begins to desecrate the body of Hector because of his anger within himself. Although he is infuriated with Agamemnon, his anger went towards Hector because he can take advantage of the situations through his power. The murder of Patroclus made his actions justifiable, but his actions went beyond his accountability because his anger turned into irrational fury. In order to fulfill the anger he has within himself, he does not want to give Hector’s body back to King Priam. Giving the body back would feel as if his actions and diligence meant nothing, thus his pride will not be secure. Homer emphasizes the selfishness and vulnerability of the warrior’s actions which make the Greek warriors captivated with their own legacies.
When warriors battle, it proves one’s honor, uprightness, and strength, while when avoiding warfare is demonstrating slothfulness and reprehensible fear. Because their pride means more to them, the warriors do not realize the various sacrifices being made when going to battle. Before the battle with Achilles, Hector’s loved ones expressed their fears of his fatal death. His father painfully exclaims, “Pity your mother too, if I ever gave you the breast to soothe your troubles, remember it now, dear boy” (Homer 544). Hector became over confident and could not back down from the fight with Achilles. Hector new that he could not beat him, but he would feel more ashamed if he backed down from the battle. This is because his pride overcame his priorities. In the end, Hector says, “I beg you, beg you by your life, your parents-do not let the dogs devour me by the Argive ships” (Homer 552). Hector new that he would not survive the battle with Achilles so his last dying with was for Achilles to preserve his body for his family. He felt that he should get a proper burial so his family and the Gods can mourn in peace. Sacrifices were made to prove Hector strength and honor. To prove his honor, his life was the cost. For warrior, dying is worth a long living legacy.
Homer expresses the importance of honor, pride, and warfare capacities throughout The Iliad. These significant values help contribute to the characteristics and actions made by the important characters throughout the book. Achilles and Hector are prime examples of Greek values that are expressed human qualities as well. Their legacies continuing to live on, even after they are deceased.