In Robert Fagles translation of Homer’s Iliad, Hector is one of the greatest warriors of the Trojan Army; he is vastly different against Achilles, proving to be more honorable and brave, and is more present during the world than the ‘great’ Achaean warrior. In Achilles’ absence, he becomes the main opposing threat towards the Greek, even gaining favor from Zeus for most of the war. He shows to have great leadership and courage, which able him to easily rally his men to an honorable victory. Though he may have some great qualities, he tends to be an emotional character and foolish. In Book 17, twice the warrior shows cowardice, fleeing from Great Ajax till his men insult him for it making him gain courage. This is another one of his flaws.
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This is a complete difference to Hector who fights out of respect and honor for his city and loved ones. He shows complete devotion to his family in Book 6. “The great man of war breaking into a broad smile, his gaze fixed on his son, in silence.” (Fagles,575) It is easy to see his wishes to help the Trojans win the battle when even his wife cannot convince him to stay home. “No time for rest. My heart races to help our Trojans- they long for me, sorely, whenever I am gone.” (Fagles,572) we see his unyielding bravery in Book 22 when he refuses to stand down even when Achilles is in battle “So the old man groaned and seizing his gray hair tor it out by the roots but he could not shake the fixed resolve of Hector.” (Fagles,1507) His bravery is also seen here: “so Hector, nursing his quenchless fury, gave no ground, leaning his burnished shield against a jutting wall, but harried still, he probed his own brave heart” …show more content…
“Now my army’s ruined, thanks to my own reckless pride. I would die of shame to face the men of Troy” (Fagles,1509). We can give him some credit for admitting his mistakes unlike Achilles, though. Both fighters have their shared moment of cowardice. We see Achilles’ cowardice for most of the book, but we specifically see Hector become cowardly in Book 22. “waiting there, but Achilles was closing on him now, like the god of war, the fighter’s helmet flashing, over his right shoulder shaking the Pelian ash spear, that terror, and the bronze around his body flared like a raging fire or the rising, blazing sun. Hector looked up saw, started to tremble, nerve gone, he could not hold his ground no longer, he left the gates behind and away he fled in fear- “ (Fagles,1512) Even if Achilles is the main hero of the story, Hector proves to be the greatest warrior and completely opposite of the Achaean fighter. He proves to value his comrades with pride and bravery and to honor your city and family for the greater good. This can compare to Achilles who rather fight out of pure rage and military honor for his own purposes than to bring honor to his homeland. Even if Zeus had wished for Hector to win, Fate favors Achilles ending the Trojan warrior’s life to avenge Patroclus. Both have had their cowardly moments and show their faults and strengths as
This is a complete difference to Hector who fights out of respect and honor for his city and loved ones. He shows complete devotion to his family in Book 6. “The great man of war breaking into a broad smile, his gaze fixed on his son, in silence.” (Fagles,575) It is easy to see his wishes to help the Trojans win the battle when even his wife cannot convince him to stay home. “No time for rest. My heart races to help our Trojans- they long for me, sorely, whenever I am gone.” (Fagles,572) we see his unyielding bravery in Book 22 when he refuses to stand down even when Achilles is in battle “So the old man groaned and seizing his gray hair tor it out by the roots but he could not shake the fixed resolve of Hector.” (Fagles,1507) His bravery is also seen here: “so Hector, nursing his quenchless fury, gave no ground, leaning his burnished shield against a jutting wall, but harried still, he probed his own brave heart” …show more content…
“Now my army’s ruined, thanks to my own reckless pride. I would die of shame to face the men of Troy” (Fagles,1509). We can give him some credit for admitting his mistakes unlike Achilles, though. Both fighters have their shared moment of cowardice. We see Achilles’ cowardice for most of the book, but we specifically see Hector become cowardly in Book 22. “waiting there, but Achilles was closing on him now, like the god of war, the fighter’s helmet flashing, over his right shoulder shaking the Pelian ash spear, that terror, and the bronze around his body flared like a raging fire or the rising, blazing sun. Hector looked up saw, started to tremble, nerve gone, he could not hold his ground no longer, he left the gates behind and away he fled in fear- “ (Fagles,1512) Even if Achilles is the main hero of the story, Hector proves to be the greatest warrior and completely opposite of the Achaean fighter. He proves to value his comrades with pride and bravery and to honor your city and family for the greater good. This can compare to Achilles who rather fight out of pure rage and military honor for his own purposes than to bring honor to his homeland. Even if Zeus had wished for Hector to win, Fate favors Achilles ending the Trojan warrior’s life to avenge Patroclus. Both have had their cowardly moments and show their faults and strengths as