Existentialism In The Iliad

The First Existential Hero? What is existentialism? Existentialism is a philosophical theory that accentuates the belief of existence. To be more specific, the idea of being absolutely free, there is no such thing as fate, no predestination, no gods, no god to control our lives, nothing to determine our paths or shapes our destiny. The individual is the only person to choose their own paths, how the individual lives and shapes their own life and give a meaning to their own existence. This theory emphasizes and propounds the idea of being absolutely free. In the “Iliad” by Homer, the main character Achilles exemplifies existentialism and was the first existential hero ever. Furthermore, Achilles rage is the main idea of the “Iliad,” because …show more content…
Achilles questioning fate and heroic ideology, proves that he embodies the theory of existentialism, thus making him the tragic hero of the Iliad. He begins to dabble in philosophizing the absolute meaning of being free. He questions heroic ideology and the enormous role fate plays in the epic because he determines and shapes his own path, thus giving meaning to his existence in life. As well as trying to convince the other embassy members that life is more important than honor. Humans are fated to die one day either in battle or of old age. Consequently, he too was fated with two paths of death. So, why should he and other humans suffer the same fate of dying in battle, when the Greeks could go home and live longer with happiness? Why gain honor, when it can be gained as a coward or hero? As he gets his point across to the other members, he leaves them in awe as he turns his back against the Greeks. Achilles allows the Greeks to be slaughtered because he finds no meaning of dying in battle for honor. In conclusion, Achilles is the first existential hero in Western culture because he gives meaning to his existence throughout the