Heroism, but Before Christ, so Does it Really Exist? Bristling muscles, deadly attractiveness and cutting-edge weapons are all prerequisites for the modern day hero. The same requirements were exemplified even in 700 B.C., when Homer wrote his epic poem, The Iliad. And although the protagonist of the poem is undoubtedly Achilles, a Greek demigod, the character that truly embodies heroism is the Trojan prince, Hector. Hectors heroism is supported by the acclaimed writer and book critic, Bernard Knox, who defines heroism as willingness to give up one’s glory, dedication to an ill-fated populous, unflinching bravery and familial compassion (Knox). Hector lives up to the criteria of a hero through his effortless courage, his commitment to his
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Priam’s glorious son, Hector, exhibits the fortitude of a true warrior when he rallies the Myrmidons and recites his intentions, “I, for one, am not retreating. Maybe [Achilles will] win, maybe i will. The War God does not care whom he kills” (XVIII.321-322). At this time, Achilles is wearing Athena’s aegis, which amplifies his godly voice and sends waves upon waves of panic through the Greeks. Hector is up against an already formidable enemy made even more powerful with the use of Athena’s godly instruments. Yet even so, Hector tells his troops that he will not back down, even if the cost is his own life. His courage and strength in battle is unyielding; he does not back down nor does he surrender because he is truly …show more content…
If Hector were to face Achilles and defeat him in a one on one battle, as he thought he would, his fame would last a billion lifetimes. Every man and woman alive would know that Hector, a mere mortal, killed the most powerful demigod the world has ever known: Achilles. Yet even with the temptation of eternal Kleos, Hector tries to find a solution that would end the bloody Trojan War once and for all. He debates on whether or not to approach the vengeful Achilles with nothing but his words to defend him; He is willing to put himself in an incredibly vulnerable position for the sake of staunching unnecessary bloodshed. The only reason that he decides against this course of action is because he knows that Achilles will savagely murder him without giving him the time of day to explain his proposal. Hector’s natural inclination towards humanity’s ideal behaviors is displayed when he considers an alternative course of action without factoring in his own potential glory.
Furthermore, the division between what is humane and what is heroic is defined by the traits that humanity holds in high esteem. Bernard Knox’s definition of heroism cites specific examples of how Hector, in particular, is a hero. Yet the ideals that Knox conveys relate to generally approved characteristics of humanity that can be applied to any hero. Ideals that Knox indirectly cites include commitment,
Priam’s glorious son, Hector, exhibits the fortitude of a true warrior when he rallies the Myrmidons and recites his intentions, “I, for one, am not retreating. Maybe [Achilles will] win, maybe i will. The War God does not care whom he kills” (XVIII.321-322). At this time, Achilles is wearing Athena’s aegis, which amplifies his godly voice and sends waves upon waves of panic through the Greeks. Hector is up against an already formidable enemy made even more powerful with the use of Athena’s godly instruments. Yet even so, Hector tells his troops that he will not back down, even if the cost is his own life. His courage and strength in battle is unyielding; he does not back down nor does he surrender because he is truly …show more content…
If Hector were to face Achilles and defeat him in a one on one battle, as he thought he would, his fame would last a billion lifetimes. Every man and woman alive would know that Hector, a mere mortal, killed the most powerful demigod the world has ever known: Achilles. Yet even with the temptation of eternal Kleos, Hector tries to find a solution that would end the bloody Trojan War once and for all. He debates on whether or not to approach the vengeful Achilles with nothing but his words to defend him; He is willing to put himself in an incredibly vulnerable position for the sake of staunching unnecessary bloodshed. The only reason that he decides against this course of action is because he knows that Achilles will savagely murder him without giving him the time of day to explain his proposal. Hector’s natural inclination towards humanity’s ideal behaviors is displayed when he considers an alternative course of action without factoring in his own potential glory.
Furthermore, the division between what is humane and what is heroic is defined by the traits that humanity holds in high esteem. Bernard Knox’s definition of heroism cites specific examples of how Hector, in particular, is a hero. Yet the ideals that Knox conveys relate to generally approved characteristics of humanity that can be applied to any hero. Ideals that Knox indirectly cites include commitment,