t at the beginning of the poem, during the initial conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon (the king of the Achaeans). After being dishonored, Achilles has the brazenness to draw his sword to his king. Only after Athena intervenes does he choose a revenge of words instead as he, "lashed out at Agamemnon letting his anger ride in execration1". This sort of audacity is displayed in Hector when he, "stripped Patroclus of his armor2" knowing full well that it was the armor of Achilles, therefor taunting the man who was destined to kill him.
             Warriors obligated to kill without thought must also possess relentlessness in battle and make no allowances for mercy or pity. Countless examples of this ruthlessness on the battlefield are given for both Achilles and Hector. No pity is inspired in either of the men in instances such as when Achilles is faced with the unarmed Lychaon who pleas for mercy yet, "Achilles drew his sword and thrust it between his neck and collarbone"3. Hector shows the same indifference towards the life of Patroclus who is wounded and tries to crawl to safety but Hector, "charged straight at him through the ranks and lunged for him low in the flank, driving the spearhead through&q
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