Where are the Heros

A detailed Summary of Where are the Heros

As we read Homers epic tale of war, death, and enthralling characters, we find great warriors each on a different pathway. Looking closer at three of these characters, Akhilleus, Agamemnon, and Hektor, we find that each of these warriors displays many heroic qualities and deeds, yet none ever achieves becoming a true hero.

What does it mean to achieve the status of a true hero? Many books and papers have been written on this subject but for the purpose of my argument let me condense it. For Akhilleus, Agamemnon, or Hektor to become a true hero they must have completed the Quest Cycle.

The basic aspects of the Hero Quest Cycle are, first the separation or departure. In this part of the cycle the hero must leave the comforts of home or the known world and begin on their journey into the unknown world. Then comes the initiation phase where our hero must face trials and overcome great challenges. Finally the hero quest is completed in the return cycle. In this completion stage the hero has his ultimate boon and return, usually a triumphant return.

In evaluating Agamemnon we find an impressive warlord, as Akhilleus states: "...first in rank of all the Akhaians." (Pp. 27 ll. 105.) Agamemnon has

With the great Akhilleus we find a similar beginning, he too leaves the comforts of home to fight for the honor of Menelaus. Akhilleus comes much closer to fulfilling the hero image. He is the child of an immortal mother, on a quest for glory and greatness.

Homer. "The Iliad." Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. Western Literature in a World Context.

Akhilleus has the greatest military prowess of any of the Achaean ranks and has the greatest fighting ability of all the warriors, Trojan or Achaean. He shows these qualities when he pulls the troops together to find out why the Gods are destroying them after Agamemnon's actions with the priest. He also shows honor when the seer is afraid to tell them the cause of their anguish and Akhilleus states to the seer: "Courage. Tell what you know, what you have light to know. I swear by Apollo, the lord god to whom you pray when you uncover truth, never while I draw breath, while I have eyes to see, shall any man upon this beachhead dare to lay hands on you." (Pp. 27 ll. 98-103)

Akhilleus comes closer to the hero aspect of facing trials and learning about himself in the scene in which Priam comes to beg for the return of his slain son. He is overcome with grief and remorse, saddened and humbled by the ultimate devastation. This shows his human side his heroic side, but he ultimately dies in battle and never completes the hero's quest.

Akhilleus pouts until Hektor kills his best friend Patrocolus. The death of Patrocolus is another example of Akhilleus failing in his h

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Approximate Word count = 1036
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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