Greek Excellence In The Iliad

In the epic poem, The Iliad by Homer, Diomedes, a Greek soldier in the Argive forces, demonstrates acts of Greek excellence throughout the fight between the Greeks and the Trojans. As the Greeks fight, a great void of leadership and virtue appears because of the lack of these qualities from Agamemnon, the current leader of the Greeks. Because of Agamemnon's lack of leadership, it causes problems when making decisions and struggles with the Trojan army, making it possible for Diomedes to fill the gap because of his Greek excellence. To become a hero, Diomedes often gives up his own desires for others. Diomedes also displays devotion and piety towards the gods when obeying Athena to exhibit Greek excellence. Diomedes demonstrates a balanced soul …show more content…
As Pandarus bids to kill Diomedes he manages to wound Diomedes again, out of rage Diomedes then cuts off Pandora's tongue and kills him. After Pandarus wounds Diomedes he responds without emotion: “But never shaken Diomedes shot back “no hit- you missed”(V.317). Raging, Diomedes then cuts Pandarus’ tongue off: “The tough bronze/cut off his tongue at the roots”(V.323-324). Pandarus’ hubristic actions, seen when he brags about his archery skills, makes him a perfect candidate for a fitting punishment. Pandarus’ flaw ignorance as he suggests that he obtains the qualities of a great archer reveals that the source of his actions stems from his mouth. Assuming the role of a Greek hero, and Pandarus’ mockery towards Diomedes also makes Diomedes a perfect candidate to assume the role of carrying out Pandarus’ punishment. Diomedes cuts off Pandarus tongue preventing him to speak; making it a fitting punishment because Pandarus can no longer exclaim his hubris accusations about Diomedes. Because Diomedes has trouble controlling his rage, his ability to control it using his mind and executing a fitting punishment reveals that he has a balanced soul. In contrast, Pandusus’ mind is larger than his belly and soul due to the confidence in his ability to kill Diomedes. Pandarus’ fitting punishment, executed by Diomedes, was able because of his use of …show more content…
Glaucus first walks into no man's land confronting Diomedes. Diomedes questioning Glaucus inquires,“who are you my friend-another born to die”(VI.142). Glaucus then explains his ancestry to Diomedes. Thrilled Diomedes trades armor with Glaucus: “he traded his gold armor for bronze with Diomedes/the worth of a hundred oxen just for nine”(VI. 281-282). Although Diomedes is superior to Glaucus, he still has respect, an important Geek quality for the mortals, exhibited when he asks Glaucus if he is one or not. By asking him this Diomedes also shows respect towards the gods as he demonstrates his understanding of his limited strength when it comes to fighting the gods. Because of Diomedes’ superior skills on the battlefield, Diomedes has the opportunity to immediately kill Glaucus, but instead demonstrates respect and chooses to listen to Glaucus instead. After Diomedes hears about Glaucus’ ancestry he rejoices as he hears about his family ties to Glaucus, showing that Diomedes’ reputation and family ties are held very close to him. As a result, Diomedes shows hospitality towards him. Diomedes exhibits hospitality when he trades armor with Glaucus. Although this a bad trade on Glaucus’, part it shows that Diomedes and Glaucus are friends. Looking at them, their comrades will be able to see this as they wear each other’s armor around.