Achilles Versus Hector
The epic myth the Iliad, by Homer, portrayed the plight of a war between the Trojans and the Greeks. Achilles of Greece and Hector of Troy are the heroes that are crucial in the myth. The two main leaders of the war are Agamemnon and Paris who can be inadequate at times. Achilles and Hector have conflicts that progress during the myth, as the war around them rages. In the war the heroes have their fates sealed with prophecies and the underlying Homeric code. The Homeric code is a trend throughout Homer's myths and Greek society, in which the individual prefers having a short, but glorious life. An important fact on heroes is that they are individuals that are revered in their society and are seen as protectors of this society. That is why Heracles, Jason and the Argonauts, and Theseus were looked upon as great heroes, because they saved society from monsters and evil in their quests. The two heroes must decide if they will fight and uphold their societies or remain at home and not fight in the frivolous war. When the decisions are made the consequences unfold to effect the war, friends, and themselves. The Iliad concludes with the two meeting in a duel, which leads to the unfair death of Hector. As the myt
Before the war began it was prophesized that Troy would eventually fall at the hands of the Greeks. The war could have been prevented if Paris had returned Menelaus' wife Helen or fight Menelaus in fair duel. This solution did not occur and Troy's fate was sealed and Hector was forced to decide on his family's well being or fighting for glory and his people. Hector's decision is made difficult with Paris' lack of discipline as king with his episodes with his new wife Helen. This angers Hector, "Look, your people dying around the city, the steep walls, dying in arms-and all for you, the battle cries and the fighting flaring up around the citadel. You'd be the first to lash out at another-anywhere-you saw hanging back from this, this hateful war (Iliad, VI, 386ff.)." Hector was angry and knew of the danger that proceeded him. Helen tried to persuade Hector to stay with her, but he was true to the people of Troy, "Love me as you do, you can't persuade me now. No time for rest. My heart races to help our Trojans-they long for me, sorely, whenever I am gone (Iliad, VI, 429ff.)." Even when Hector's beautiful loving wife tries to convince him that he should stay with her and their beloved son he gives the same response. Hector is the true hero with his concerns for the people he fights for and who revere him as their protector. h unfolds the two great heroes Achilles and Hector share similarities and differences as Homeric heroes in the Iliad, but in the outcome it is Hector who should receive the respect. Early in the Iliad Achilles made his decision not to fight for Agamemnon and he held true for almost the entire myth. Even when his Greek comrades were taking heavy losses at the hand of the Trojans Achilles felt no remorse. Agamemnon worried that the Greeks would be defeated at their ships, so he sent an envoy bearing gifts to persuade Achilles to rejoin the fight. Once again Achilles refused to fight even with his fatherly figure Phoenix, the wise Odysseus
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1330
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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