Hector Quotes In The Iliad

The Iliad is an epic written by Homer around 750 BC. It tells the story of the struggles of the 10th year of the Trojan War. Hector, prince of Troy, is one of the main characters in this book and was killed by Achilles. The hero of The Iliad is Hector because although he isn't the most courageous soldier, his respect for others and dedication in battle makes him the hero of The Iliad.

In The Iliad, Hector isn't always shown as a courageous character. In book 18, Achilles discovers Patroclus is dead. Upon the realization that Hector is to blame, he is ready to rejoin the fight against Troy. The Trojans start to lose their courage until hearing Hector’s speech in which he says, “Tomorrow at daybreak armed to the hill for battle we slash to attack against their deep curved Hills!...I for one, I'll never run from his grim assault.(18.353-357)” In

this quote, Homer uses imagery and tone to convey Hector’s desire for his troops to reciprocate his perceived bravery.

He uses imagery in phrases such as “slash to attack” to convey how aggressive he wants his troops to be when fighting the Greeks. The quote also uses diction where Hector says “never run” and “grim assault” to convey that no matter what the Greeks do he won’t back down. Later on in The Iliad, Hector does not display this level of courage. Book 22 starts with Hector disregarding his parent’s pleas for him to stay within the walls of Troy. Hector seems ready to fight Achilles until they are face to face and Hector is scared. In the book it states, “Hector looked up, saw him, started to tremble, Nerve gone, he could hold his ground no longer he left the gates behind and away he fled in fear and Achilles went for him fast sure of his speed as the Wild Mountain Hawk...swooping down on a cringing dove(22.162-167).” Homer uses imagery and a simile in this section to convey Hector’s lack of bravery in comparison to Achilles fearlessness. Homer uses phrases such as “started to tremble” and “away he fled

in fear” showing that Hector is so afraid of Achilles that he is incapable of standing fast in battle. The simile compares Achilles to a “wild mountain hawk” and Hector to a “cringing dove” emphasizing the vulnerability of Hector in the face of Achilles and how it causes him to be less courageous. Due to Hector’s words conflicting his actions, The Iliad shows Hector as non courageous.
Although Hector isn't a Homeric hero in terms of his courage, he makes up for this by respect other men and by having dedication. In book 16 Patroclus Is conveyed as barbaric killing every Trojan soldier he encounters. In this moment of the text, Hector is in the process of killing Patroclus in order to gain glory. In the book it states, “Down he crashed - horror gripped the Achaean armies. As when someone overpowers a tireless wild boar on a mountain summit battling in all their fury... but the lion beats him down with a close thrust Hector the son of Priam tore the life from the fighting son of Menoetius (16.952-965)”.Homer uses a simile and diction in this part of the text to emphasize the shock of the Achaean armies at the sight of Patroclus dying. Homer uses words such as “crashed” and “horror” to convey the unexpectedness of Patroclus dying so quickly. Homer also compares Hector to a “lion” and Patroclus to a “wild boar” to further show of fierce the fight was. Hector’s defeat of Patroclus shows that he can stand fast in battle earning glory. In book 22 Hector is shown as level headed when approaching Achilles. Hector tries to negotiate with Hector by saying, “come, we’ll swear to the gods, the highest witness- the gods will oversee our binding pacts. I swear I will never mutilate you merciless as you are...once I’ve stripped you of your glorious armor, Achilles I will give your body back to your loyal comrades (22.301-305)”. This quote uses diction and tone to show how Hector is respectful of other men. When Hector says phrases such as “glorious armor” and “loyal comrades” he is speaking about the good things that Achilles has complimenting and respecting Achilles although their enemies. This conveys that Hector treats everyone with respect whether they are for or against him. In addition Hector’s use of the word “I” conveys a truthful tone showing he means what he saying to Achilles showing his dedication to keeping his word. From this Hector is shown as a respectful and dedicated soldier.
Although there are moments in The Iliad where Hector is shown in a non-heroic light because of his lack of courage, overall because he is respectful to others and is dedicated in battle Hector is the hero of The Iliad.