Heroes In The Iliad

Throughout our life we have been introduced to numerous heroes, from superheroes to everyday modern heroes. And although times change, the qualities these people possess, have not. Heroes are still considered selfless and are expected to be courageous as well as many other traits. In Homer’s epic, The Iliad takes place in ancient Greece, many of the characters in this epic have at one point shown a heroic side. But, Hector, the leader of the Trojan army is the strongest representation of a hero for this time period. A hero from ancient Greece isn't that much different than a modern day hero, considering they both have the same heroic qualities. Arland D. William Jr. more commonly known as The Man in the Water is remembered by his heroic action …show more content…
His actions reflect who he is as a person and he shows true leadership as he continues to fight and lead the Trojan battle. It is said that, “Hector realized the tide of victory was changing, but he stood there, trying to save his loyal companions”(16. 122-124). Hector is the ideal hero as he shows how courageous he can be, by staying in the battle and trying his very best to save others. Although he knows that the Trojans are losing he continues to fight and displays bravery through this difficult scene. A hero should be able to overcome any given obstacle and this is what Hector's character is all about. As Hector speaks with his wife he states, “But I’d be disgraced, dreadfully ashamed among Trojan men and Trojan women in their trail gowns, if i should like a coward, slink away from war”(6. 74-77). To Hector, not joining the war would be disgraceful, he is committed to bring honor to himself, his family, and his city. His courage lies with his determination to succeed in the battle and his need to be viewed as a heroic warrior. Although, Hector displays many respectable qualities, he has been viewed as a coward, “Hector began to shake in fear. His courage gone he could no longer stand there. Terrified, he started running, leaving the gate” (22. 141-144). Instead of being the honorable warrior others were expecting him to be, he lets fear take over him and runs from his fate. This displays cowardness as he is not brave enough to stand up and fight. To others his heroic moments in the past seem to be irrelevant now that he decides to act cowardly, this close to his death. In Hector's case, the positives outweigh the negatives, and his one moment of displaying cowardness only out of fear does not erase the fact that he is the ideal