Achilles A Hero Essay

Achilles is frequently referred to as one of the greatest heros in Homeric culture, but is he the hero we are led to believe he is? It is easy to regard Achilles as a hero when he is essentially invincible, however don't confuse unrestrained power with heroism. Even though his skill and prowess on the battlefield is second to none, he fails to be a hero because of his unrestrained recklessness, barbaric nature, absence of self control, and his narcissistic and dishonorable actions. Although Achilles is referred to as one of the greatest heros in Homeric culture, he lacks vital characteristics of a hero. Such as restraint, selflessness, and righteousness. His narcissistic actions caused the death of many of his fellow Greek soldiers; and his uncontrollable rage caused scores of undue Trojan deaths. …show more content…
Although Achilles made the right decision, it was for the wrong reasons. Instead of acting mature when Agamemnon insulted him and helping the Greeks defeat the Trojans without excessive bloodshed, he selfishly elected to stay in his tent, just to spite Agamemnon. Thus causing scores of his fellow countrymen, who have done Achilles no injustice, to be decimated by Hector’s sword. He had the ability to save countless lives on both sides of the war, but rather than use his prowess on the field of combat, he used it to fuel his ego. He was so obsessed with his honor he let men from the army he was supposed to be leading. This is not the behavior of a hero, a true hero will sacrifice himself and his honor for the greater good. Achilles, on the other hand, was so terrified of disgracing his family and his community he let hundreds of his men die. Achilles believed that if he lost respect life was not worth living. People in the Iliad relied on their heroes to protect their