What Is Achilles Role In The Iliad

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The role of a hero in Greek literature was a very important role. To be considered a hero in this type of writing, the character must fit into the traits of a hero which included noble lineage, travel to vast settings, exhibit beyond human qualities, show nationalism and pride, be an excellent warrior and finally, show humility and pride. The Iliad shows many examples of epic heroes , including the characters, Hector and Achilles. The Iliad is a story set many years ago during the Trojan war, which was between the Greek army and the people of Troy. Achilles and Hector fit the roles as epic heroes because they exhibit the specific characteristics, even though Achilles may be hard to be viewed as one, both Hector and Achilles’ are viewed …show more content…

Zeus is his grandfather of Achilles and also Apollo is his uncle which angers him because he is not a god. When Achilles was a baby, his mother dipped him in the River Styx making him immortal but missed his heel making him not a full god even though he has many noble gods in his family. In the same way, Hector travels to vast settings, Achilles also does but he travels with the Greek Army and not the Trojans and also visits Olympus. He has beyond human speed and also is immortal everywhere except his heel. In the Iliad he is referred to as “godlike Achilles” (Homer I, 8) Achilles shows pride because his is loyal to his friend Agamemnon even though they fight often. Throughout the book, they fight and one fight Achilles said to Agamemnon “You bloated drunk, with a dog’s eyes and a rabbit’s heart,” yet he still stays faithful to him. (Homer I 236-237) He is an excellent warrior because he outruns everyone and wins mostly every fight he is in. Finally, he shows humility and pride when his best friend, Patroclus, dies. Achilles may be hard to be viewed as one because he often withdrawals from battle as Hector states,“You’ve chased them back into their town, but now you’ve veered off here,” but since he fits into these characteristics, he is an epic hero. (Homer XXII

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