Throughout literature and life there are several people that fit one or more of the characteristics of a hero. More than not, in literature you can find a character whose central identity can be looked upon as a hero. A hero is best defined as a person that can exude any of the qualities such as honor and nobility, selflessness or should possess some sort of superhuman ability. There are several examples of heroes recorded in the Norton Anthology, but the most apparent are of those recorded about Achilles from the Iliad.
             At one time or another, throughout the Iliad there is evidence of Achilles' hero like attributes being displayed. In Achilles, one would notice that he illustrates the qualities of an honorable and noble person. He also displays superhuman ability through his accolades in war. What finally avails him as a hero is a single act of selflessness in the end.
             First, as the aspect of Achilles' hero status is explored the reader will see that during this time Achilles was revered by many only because of his parentage and closeness to the gods. With all of his shortcomings it is almost difficult to think of him as a hero, but if closely examined his nobility and honor is seen within the realm of his friendship to Patroclus.
             It all begins when after fighting in the war, Agamemnon and Achilles both receive rewards in the form of two young women: Briseis and Chryseis. Chryseis' father Chryses could not live without his daughter, so he offered a ransom for her return. It was not enough for Agamemnon, his spoils of war meant far greater to him than a ransom offered by the old man. Therefore, he dismissed Chryses with cruel and harsh words and forbade him to come near his ships again. Chryses, the old man dropped his head, heeded the words of the king and left.
             Chryses was so upset he prayed to his god Apollo. Apollo heard him and cast out a plague
             over all the Achaeans. After becoming co...