Hector's Loss Of Achilles

Troy’s beloved Hector has fallen to the hands of Achilles, and his body is now under the control of his killer. Hector’s father, Prium, goes to Achilles’ tent to ransom the body of his prized son in order to have him return to Troy to grieve his death properly. Prium shows an abundance of courage and distress in the scene when he visits Achilles’ tent. Prium, king of Troy, exemplifies great courage to go near his sons’ killer. As soon as he enters Achilles’ tent, Prium “stood close to Achilles” and touched his knees. The bravery that it took for him to stand close to him alone far surpass the fact that he touched his knees. Homer then tells the readers, “He kissed the dread and murderous hands / That had killed so many of his sons” (24.509-510). This murderer has just killed his son, yet Prium has so much nerve to risk his own life in order to get his son back. Not only does Prium demonstrate magnificent courage, but he also shows great distress over the loss of his son. …show more content…
He expresses to Achilles that Hector is the only reason for him being in the tent when he says, “My Hector. It is for him I have come to the Greek ships” (24.537). The anguish of not having his son’s body back home in Troy to grieve over has sent him here. Prium illustrates his sorrow once more when he tells Achilles, “My eyes have not closed since my son lost his life / Under your hands” (24.687-688). The death of his son has reaped such havoc on his life that he has not been able to eat since the fight took place. One can only imagine the thoughts running through his mind: the loss of his greatest treasure and son, and the unknowing of his beloved city now that the one who could save it is now dead. The misery that Prium is dealing with over the loss of Hector is