Trojan War in Homer´s The Iliad

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Homer’s Heroes
The epic poem called The Iliad written by Homer concerns the Trojan War. It shows Trojan and Achaean warriors’ courage, bravery and their attempt to become the best fighter to get fame, glory, and honor. The heroes in The Iliad follow Homer’s heroic code, striving for excellence. Hector and Achilles’ strength comes from their desire for fame, glory, honor and their acceptance of fate. These qualities are considered to be characteristics of Homer’s heroic code. However, the actions of Paris are not heroic causing trouble and conflict for many people. In fact, Paris’ non-heroic action started the Trojan War and the hatred between Greece and Troy.
A strong character in The Iliad, Hector, is a hero due to the actions and decisions he takes in the poem. Hector dies defending his country which is already heroic, but, the most heroic action of Hector is that he fights knowing that Troy is not going to survive. Which indicates that he will die soon and accepting his own fate. Also showing his motivation for glory and honor.
“But I should die of shame before Trojan men and noblewomen if like a coward I avoided battle...Long ago I learned how to be brave, how to go forward always and to contend for honour, Father’s and mine. Honour- for in my heart and soul I know a day will come when ancient Ilium will perish.” (J 155-62)
With this in mind, he attacks the Greeks hoping his loved ones are safe. Although his motivation makes him even stronger, Hector is already physically strong and Paris’ words describe the strength of Hector best. “your spirit’s like an axe-edge whetted sharp/ that goes through timber, when a good shipwright/ hews out a beam: the tool triples his power.” He describes how Hector is mentally and physically o...

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... word.” (G 35-49)
Although Paris has many cowardly acts, he once stood up and demanded to fight Menelaus alone to fight for Helen. “let Menelaus alone and me...in single combat, duel for Helen and Spartan gold.” This action of Paris is very courageous and manly.
Homer’s heroic code exists and is followed by the heroes because Achilles and Hector’s performance during the war does give them fame, glory, and their names are known forever. Although Paris’ name is known as well, it is in a negative way because he never followed the heroic code which created trouble for everyone. Even though Achilles and Hector are similar with the Heroic code, they also contrast. The biggest contrast is that Hector has a family to protect but Achilles doesn’t, just his best friend, Patroclus. Otherwise, Achilles and Hector are great heroes that have strong motivation and leadership.

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