The epic The Iliad by Homer, is set during the last year of the Trojan War and recounts the battles and epic retelling of the end of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans. Achilles and Hector are known as the greatest warriors of the Greeks and Trojans, respectively. This places both warriors against each other and predicts direct conflict between both of them. As both are such great warriors they are quite similar, however there are also major differences between them. These major differences include the circumstances each warrior is in, the characteristics of both warriors, and their own personal aspirations. In addition, these differences between them are shown throughout the poem and also shape the course of The Iliad. In The
…show more content…
However, both Achilles and Hector each have different characteristics about them that make them two different yet powerful warriors. Achilles can be described as passionate, selfish and proud. His rage and strength makes his enemies fear him and cowardly run away. Achilles relentlessness and boldness is shown throughout the poem as he refuses to accept any offer made by Agamemnon to return to the war or even help out his fellow Achaeans. This also shows his selfishness as he only cares about his injured pride and the intentions he has planned to achieve. (222-223) Also, due to his characteristics and attitude, Achilles’ rage rises to a new level once he discovers that his close companion Patroklos has been killed by Hector. Achilles then chooses to forget any ill-feelings he had at Agamemnon and now seeks revenge for Patroklos’ death by killing Hector and destroying Troy. Hector can be described as calm, compassionate and noble. Hector puts his love for Troy and Troy’s interest above his own and is ready to sacrifice his life need be it. This is seen when the Trojans are retreating back into the walls of Troy but Hector stays outside to continue defending it and even when his family desperately tries to get him to come back in, he stays fighting regardless of how dangerous things are getting. Hector feels that the safety of others is more important than his own. While Hector is a strong and brave warrior and wants to obtain honor and glory, he longs for peace. However he is aware that peace is not possible because the Achaeans will not stop attacking. So Hector decides that his whole involvement in the war serves as his duty to protect Troy and its’ people. One could argue that it’s almost his obligation to defend the city as Hector has not thought twice about it and doesn’t seem concerned of his possible
However, both Achilles and Hector each have different characteristics about them that make them two different yet powerful warriors. Achilles can be described as passionate, selfish and proud. His rage and strength makes his enemies fear him and cowardly run away. Achilles relentlessness and boldness is shown throughout the poem as he refuses to accept any offer made by Agamemnon to return to the war or even help out his fellow Achaeans. This also shows his selfishness as he only cares about his injured pride and the intentions he has planned to achieve. (222-223) Also, due to his characteristics and attitude, Achilles’ rage rises to a new level once he discovers that his close companion Patroklos has been killed by Hector. Achilles then chooses to forget any ill-feelings he had at Agamemnon and now seeks revenge for Patroklos’ death by killing Hector and destroying Troy. Hector can be described as calm, compassionate and noble. Hector puts his love for Troy and Troy’s interest above his own and is ready to sacrifice his life need be it. This is seen when the Trojans are retreating back into the walls of Troy but Hector stays outside to continue defending it and even when his family desperately tries to get him to come back in, he stays fighting regardless of how dangerous things are getting. Hector feels that the safety of others is more important than his own. While Hector is a strong and brave warrior and wants to obtain honor and glory, he longs for peace. However he is aware that peace is not possible because the Achaeans will not stop attacking. So Hector decides that his whole involvement in the war serves as his duty to protect Troy and its’ people. One could argue that it’s almost his obligation to defend the city as Hector has not thought twice about it and doesn’t seem concerned of his possible