How Does Achilles Change In The Iliad

The makings of a hero changes with the ethics of a culture and defines heroics differently based upon societal ideas. Clarke’s “Manhood and Heroism” states the motivations of Greek epic heroes, using references to Achilles and Hector from The Iliad, by Homer. Achilles and Hector’s motivations are different based upon their morals, but both men are defined as heroes when mentioned within the text. Troy, directed by Wolfgang Peterson, illustrates Hector’s and Achilles motivations based on modern ideals of heroism. Greek heroes were defined by extreme levels of male energy and the acceptance of fate, while modern heroes protect loved ones by fighting, making them more relatable.

According to Clarke, Greek heroes accept the fate that has been

dealt, and hyper masculinity. Men who are fierce, strong, and sometimes have heightened skills in speech and art are often times heroes (Clarke pg. 80). Facing death head on and accepting fate shows courage, letting those who accept fate die with honor and glory (Clarke pg.84). These attributes can be seen throughout The Iliad from Hector and Achilles, as well as some of the other men involved in the battle.
Convincing Achilles to rejoin battle is tasked to Ajax, Odysseus, and Phoenix, who are heroes based upon Clarke’s definition of a hero. The men use their skills of speech to try to persuade Achilles to return to battle (Book 9, lines 229-310, 446-622, and 642-665). By Clarke’s definition, these warriors are heroes because of their ability to speak wisely. Achilles, in Book 9, illustrates the importance of pride and honor by choosing not to fight. Choices based on if one will be honored or not is another aspect of heroes in Greek tales.
Hectors motivations differ from Achilles in the love of family. Honor still plays a key role in Hectors decision-making, trumping the feelings of living and growing old with his family. The speech Hector gives to his wife is one of wanting to protect his family as well as upholding his honor (Book 6, lines 463-490). Hector and Achilles have the same ideals in respect of their honor, but Hectors family influences the choices he makes. The motives of Hector compared to Achilles makes Hector look better in modern time’s definition of a hero, whereas Achilles was greater in Greek times.
Wolfgang Peterson’s Troy changes the motives of Hector and Achilles to fit modern standards of what makes a hero.

Hector fights in the war to fight for the people of Troy and to protect them from the Spartans. Both Achilles and Hector are made to be more relatable, being kind to those they care for and trying to protect those they love. Words of wisdom are also spoken by both men, to contribute to their heroic aspects.

Being wise with words and caring for those who are important to an individual are aspects seen in both the Greek epic and the movie. The difference of honor, being that the Greeks include honor in their decision-making compared to modern heroes where honor and glory come from being humble yet courageous. Differences in the movie on the definition of a hero is changed because the ideals must fit modern society’s view of what makes a hero. Ancient Greek ideals are not the same as modern ideals in that our societies have different morals.

Achilles would not be a modern hero due to the weight that honor has on his decisions. Letting soldiers die because Agamemnon insulted Achilles pride does not appeal to modern societies morals, making Achilles closer to a bad guy. Hector’s pride along with the need to protect his family make him a better candidate for a modern hero. The flaws of his character are what make him human, making him relatable to the modern heroes. Hector would appeal to the ideals of a modern hero, which makes him more likeable to those reading The

Iliad today.
Modern heroes are relatable to the mortal man, whereas Greek heroes were hyper masculine and accepted the fate dealt to them. “Manhood and Heroism” describes Homer’s heroes as wise speakers who are strong and fierce, facing death head on as is fate. These attributes are seen throughout the epic from various heroes. Troy uses these same concepts, but modernizes the story to make the heroes more relatable to the common man. Both the epic and the movie illustrate heroism based on the eras from which they were conceived.