In Homer's The Iliad there appears to be some controversy over who the true epic hero might be. We have heard many arguments supporting Achilles as the Epic Hero, and since The Iliad does indeed say "The Story of Achilles" I believe that Achilles is an easy character for people to associate as the epic hero. Although many people have cited Achilles as having superhuman strength and various other physical attributes, he appears to be lacking the qualities of a real Homeric Epic Hero. A Homeric Epic Hero must demonstrate all of the following three requirements in order for them to truly be considered an Epic Hero. A character must believe that men have to stand together in battle; men had to respect each other; and they had to refrain from excessive cruelty. This last condition was considered to be critically important for the Epic Hero. A true Epic Hero loathed deliberate acts of cruelty, defamation, and injustice. An Epic Hero believed that if they were to kill an opponent it must be done quickly. There was to be no mutilation of any kind because it reflected poorly upon the victor and the victor's community. In the following paragraphs you will see how Achilles breaks all three rule

...BECAUSE HE IS NOT THE EPIC HERO. The Epic Hero in Homer's The Iliad is Hector. Hector stands by his men in battles, thus meeting rule number one. Hector shows respect to men, thus meeting rule number two. And finally, Hector never shows compassion and justice on the battle field. Hector is the embodiment of a true Epic Hero. Hector understands his responsibilities as a great Trojan warrior. Hector knows that even though Troy is destined to fall he will fight until the bitter end. Hector knows that there are women and children behind the walls of Troy, so he fights not only for his own personal glory but for his community. Something Achilles never does because Achilles is only worried about himself. He does not fight for his community, but only in the hope of immortalizing himself. Finally, Hector is the Epic Hero because he has all of Achilles' strengths and none of his weaknesses. Some say that Hector lost his pride and courage when he ran from Achilles. I do not agree. That was a defining moment in the text. It is where you saw Hector solidify himself as the true Epic Code Hero. An impetuous and rash warrior like Achilles would have stood his ground. Hector knew he was outmatched, so he ran trying to lure Achilles into the range of the Trojan Archers. (Sorry, I forgot, how did Achilles die again?) Hector was exhibiting logic and reason. Hector knew that if he were to fall, then Troy would follow suit. Hector chose logic and reason over foolish pride. Hector did not become a coward when he ran away, he became the Epic Hero. Let me pose this question to you if you believe hector was a coward when he ran away...what is better one million dead heroes who died on the battlefield or one great hero who knows when to fight and when to run that way he can continue to lead his people? Although that is a loaded question, it's also true. No matter how many great warriors or Epic Heroes you might have had, if they are dead, then they are dead and they cannot help defend a city or its people. Hector knew this and that is why he ran, not because he was a coward, but because he cared more about his Troy, his people, and his family. One Great Epic Hero like Hector is worth more than any number of great heroes who are dead, and that's the truth.

The first requirement of an Epic Hero is that he believes that men should stand together in batt

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Approximate Word count = 1581
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)