Achiles and Hektor
Homer's The Illiad - Hector As The Epic HeroIn 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
Even though he gave it back, he still got to do what he wanted when he wanted, therefore he did not grow. 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. This was not the philosophy of an Epic Hero; eye for an eye. By returning Hector's body he is just admitting that once again he was impetuous and rash in his behavior. Not until the death of his beloved companion, which he was an indirect cause of, does he decide to return to the battlefield. Hector knows that even though Troy is destined to fall he will fight until the bitter end. This is blatant act of cruelty and intentional mutilation of Hector's body. Achilles feels guilty about Patroklos' death and wants to avenge his friend's death more for personal reasons than anything else. Achilles decides not to fight for Agamemnon or the Greeks for nine books. Achilles is a great warrior with superhuman strength, but when Briseis, Achilles war prize, is stripped from him by Agamemnon he proceeds to throw a temper tantrum. Hector stands by his men in battles, thus meeting rule number one.
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Acceptance Essays
