Achilles’ leaves the war because Agamemnon betrays him by taking his honor. Achilles did not “have any quarrel with the Trojans,” but he sailed with the army satisfy Agamemnon’s “precious pleasure” (H., 6). Achilles proved that he valued Agamemnon and was loyal to him by leaving his homeland to answer Agamemnon’s call. While the concept of friendship has yet to be discussed directly in the text, self-sacrifice seems to be valued. Agamemnon compensates Achilles for his help in the war by being a coward in battle and filling his own war chest afterwards (H., 6). Achilles eventually responds to the latest of Agamemnon’s mistakes, the threat to take Briseis, by saying, “and now you’re threatening to take away the prize” (H., 6). The exhausted
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Zeus, by way of Thetis, ordered Achilles to give Hector’s body to Priam (H., 470-471). When Priam first presents himself though, Achilles does not immediately return Hector’s body. After Priam’s moving speech, he and Achilles first share a moment of sadness where each remembers their loved ones. Next, Achilles expresses pity for Priam’s suffering and admiration for his “heart of iron” (H., 483). Finally, demands that Priam sit and share a meal with him. Previously, Priam had been sitting at Achilles feet. In the physical act of raising Priam up and sharing food with him, Achilles is making himself and Priam equals. Moreover, by understanding Priam’s grief and sharing his own pain, Achilles begins a friendly relationship with Priam. In another act of good will towards Priam, Achilles tries to protect him from the other Greek leaders by asking him to sleep outside his tent, fearing that the Greek commanders will seek him out for council during the night (H., 487). Once Achilles has built this relationship with Priam, he gives Priam instructions on taking possession of Hector’s body. While the gods’ orders likely played into Achilles decision to return Hector’s body, he only chooses to do so once he considers “dear Priam” a friend (H.,
Zeus, by way of Thetis, ordered Achilles to give Hector’s body to Priam (H., 470-471). When Priam first presents himself though, Achilles does not immediately return Hector’s body. After Priam’s moving speech, he and Achilles first share a moment of sadness where each remembers their loved ones. Next, Achilles expresses pity for Priam’s suffering and admiration for his “heart of iron” (H., 483). Finally, demands that Priam sit and share a meal with him. Previously, Priam had been sitting at Achilles feet. In the physical act of raising Priam up and sharing food with him, Achilles is making himself and Priam equals. Moreover, by understanding Priam’s grief and sharing his own pain, Achilles begins a friendly relationship with Priam. In another act of good will towards Priam, Achilles tries to protect him from the other Greek leaders by asking him to sleep outside his tent, fearing that the Greek commanders will seek him out for council during the night (H., 487). Once Achilles has built this relationship with Priam, he gives Priam instructions on taking possession of Hector’s body. While the gods’ orders likely played into Achilles decision to return Hector’s body, he only chooses to do so once he considers “dear Priam” a friend (H.,