Achilles Lack Of Honor In The Iliad By Homer

It may seem difficult to draw similarities to ancient Greek champions to the war heroes of modern day, but they have more in common than one may think. For example, recent medal of honor winner, Captain Florent A. Groberg, prevented the deaths of all of his company except for four misfortunate souls. When a suicide bomber was walking toward his company, Groberg acted fast by running head first into the bomber to push him away from his fellow soldiers. He suffered major injuries and was in critical condition. However, this selfless act gave him the highest honor of all, and the eternal respect of a nation. Just as the Greek leaders put their own lives on the line for their country and fellow soldiers. There are always losses in war, but there is always glory and honor given to those who put it all on the line. The Iliad has plenty of glory to go around, and with an enormous cast is filled with plenty of heroes, there is much debate to who is the best of the Achaeans. Some may say that the other Achaean captains are the greatest, or the kind Patroklos; however, …show more content…
A fire is uncontrollable, dangerous, and in this time period, unstoppable. The fire represents Achilles with the whirling winds being fate, ever driving him forward. Achilles is a freak of nature. His war path is unrivaled an unforgiving, just as the fire is. The final comparison, which occurs many times in this book, with many characters is that of ‘like a god’. His presence is supernatural, a battle frenzy unparalleled to the battle narratives of the past. Lives are taken quickly, with Achilles dispensing endless death without mercy. Achilles’ godlike appearance is again shown in his arrival to the front lines at the battle by the ships. Just after hearing of the death of his dear friend Patroklos, Achilles is urged onto the battle field naked. He is then empowered by the goddess Athena to shout at the Trojans. The Trojans are