The Role Of Archetype In The Iliad

Troy and Greece were two of the most formidable forces of the ancient world. Homer illustrated them with vivid imagery, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story of the legendary Trojan War. Heroes of all kinds clashed during the battles, all gaining glory, or “Kleos” to their names. All of them have been immortalized through the Iliad, projecting their era’s values and ideals unto modern society. Through the story, readers of the modern era can appreciate what kind of people they were: the heroes, the ordinary-folk, and even the renowned Homer himself. Each character is a manifestation of the beliefs of the society involved, which creates the archetypes that have persisted to this very day. Power, nobility, and responsibility are the traits highly regarded by the Homeric Society. These values are infused into archetypal heroes of the time. In the Iliad, there is one definitive person who represents this all; Prince Hector.

Power is a fundamental value in the Iliad.

This is exhibited through Hector’s skill in combat. Even Odysseus, who is among the best of the Greek warriors, described him, after defending himself after an onslaught of Hector’s fury, as an “incredible dynamite” (Robert Falges, 1998). He was so great that he gained the title of The Man Slayer. On the battlefield, Hector demonstrates the epitome of battle might; it was said that the prince slayed 31 000 Greek fighters. This implies how his command of power is revered by all; within the city of Troy; by his enemies; and even the gods themselves; “Hector, son of Priam rages with intolerable fury and there is no stopping him in his mad career.” -Zeus, King of the Gods (genius.com 13). The state of supremacy is intrinsic to the Homeric Society and that is thoroughly reflected by the way the Iliad tells its tale of heroes. It did not matter if these figures were objects of hatred; what they embody still deserves absolute

respect.
Nobility is exceptionally valued by Homer. In battle, warriors are bound by the heroic code. That is, to respect one another and achieve prestige in battle. Homer detested conscious acts of brutality (for example, Achilles mutilating Hector’s body) and made sure that the perpetrators in his tales were severely penalized. Hector upholds the code to a quixotic extent. This is best exemplified through his promise to Achilles: “Once I have removed your splendid armor, I will return your dead body to your countrymen, and I want you to promise to do the same,” (148, 149). His promise represents how Hector still maintains a chivalrous conduct even when facing his greatest adversary. Yet, Hector is also the quintessential model of what it means to be obligated to one’s people.
To be a true hero, one must acknowledge the responsibility that comes with their power. What use would it to be considered “godlike” if one were not respected like an idol? It would be meaningless and without nuance; true recognition comes from the people. Accountability to those whom you serve is a crucial value of the Homeric world. To portray this, Homer masterfully constructs the archetypal figure of Hector, whom which has a fine balance between his might and loyalty to his people. Although he repeatedly demonstrates his mastery in combat, Hector’s exceeding devotion towards the Trojans defines him as the golden standard for the Homeric Society. When Hector returns from battle to retrieve Paris, who was responsible for the Trojan War, his mother, Queen Hecuba offers him wine. Hector rebukes this offer, fearing that the wine will make him neglect his duties towards his fellow soldiers. Although, to some, Hector’s challenge to duel any Greek soldier may seem like an act of arrogance and pomposity, but quite on the contrary, it distinctly illustrates his profound disgust of the unnecessary loss of life. His deep concern for those innocents around him is clearly demonstrated through returning from battle and giving reassurances to his family; “May I be dead and may the earth cover my body before the Greeks enslave you,” (137). True to his word, Prince Hector impedes the subjugation of Troy until his eventual demise to the “godlike” Achilles.
“Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.” - Homer, The Iliad. The characteristics venerated by Homer are best symbolized by Prince Hector. He is a Herculean beast in battle; a conscientious father at home; and an impeccably mannered gentleman everywhere else. Hector establishes the Homeric ideal of what a legitimate epic hero must embody; power, nobility, and responsibility.