In The Iliad Homer, the epic poet brings the reader into a war of attrition between two great peoples, the Achaeans and the Trojans. Throughout the epic poem the reader familiarizes themselves with the two of the main protagonists within the poem, Hector and Achilles. As the epic progresses the reader learns the key differences and similarities Achilles and Hector have, and perhaps maybe choose who they see as the true hero in poem. However, one could say that both Hector and Achilles could be heroes, but heroes in a different time. For example, Achilles in the time period closer to when the Trojan War takes place would most likely be more of a hero to the listeners during that time, do his goddess mother Thetis and to his godlike qualities.
…show more content…
This analysis would not be wrong, but Hector would be received even better than he was in Ancient times do his human status making him more relatable to people of this time period. Also, unlike Achilles Hector is fighting this war to protect his people and his family, a very noble cause. Actions like these make Hector more relatable to a present day reader because like people of today Hector is a father, a husband, a son, a brother, and a provider. These possessive words that Hector is make him more relatable than the son of a goddess Achilles. For example, during battle before Hector goes out to battle again he shares a moment with his family in which his wife begs him not to go back, but he says he must “As for fighting men will see to that, all who were born in Troy but I most of all”(212). This example shows an affectionate loving human side of Hector, a side that many people could relate to. This scene itself could relate to a soldier saying goodbye to his family before leaving for war because much like a soldier he is not fighting this war because he wants to, but because he has to protect the ones he …show more content…
After killing Hector to avenge Patroclus Achilles proceeds to drag Hector’s body back to the Achaean ships and continues to disrespect the body of Hector through the later books of the poem “he rips the noble princes life then lashes him to his chariot, drags him round his beloved comrade’s tomb”(590). These actions alone by Achilles would not only draws sympathy for Hector, but also grow a great deal of disdain for a present day reader because much like in Ancient Greece funeral rights are very important. These actions by Achilles most likely would not strike a good impression with a reader from today due to the lack of respect Achilles shows to Hector’s body at first. Overall, both these epic characters are heroes in their own respects. Though their abilities and character traits may differ both characters possess something that makes them admirable. Whether it be Achilles and his great fighting abilities, or Hector for his bravery and honorable lifestyle both these characters are respectable. All in all, Hector though arguably a hero in both eras would be better received in today’s world, while Achilles could be seen as a villain today but a hero in Ancient
This analysis would not be wrong, but Hector would be received even better than he was in Ancient times do his human status making him more relatable to people of this time period. Also, unlike Achilles Hector is fighting this war to protect his people and his family, a very noble cause. Actions like these make Hector more relatable to a present day reader because like people of today Hector is a father, a husband, a son, a brother, and a provider. These possessive words that Hector is make him more relatable than the son of a goddess Achilles. For example, during battle before Hector goes out to battle again he shares a moment with his family in which his wife begs him not to go back, but he says he must “As for fighting men will see to that, all who were born in Troy but I most of all”(212). This example shows an affectionate loving human side of Hector, a side that many people could relate to. This scene itself could relate to a soldier saying goodbye to his family before leaving for war because much like a soldier he is not fighting this war because he wants to, but because he has to protect the ones he …show more content…
After killing Hector to avenge Patroclus Achilles proceeds to drag Hector’s body back to the Achaean ships and continues to disrespect the body of Hector through the later books of the poem “he rips the noble princes life then lashes him to his chariot, drags him round his beloved comrade’s tomb”(590). These actions alone by Achilles would not only draws sympathy for Hector, but also grow a great deal of disdain for a present day reader because much like in Ancient Greece funeral rights are very important. These actions by Achilles most likely would not strike a good impression with a reader from today due to the lack of respect Achilles shows to Hector’s body at first. Overall, both these epic characters are heroes in their own respects. Though their abilities and character traits may differ both characters possess something that makes them admirable. Whether it be Achilles and his great fighting abilities, or Hector for his bravery and honorable lifestyle both these characters are respectable. All in all, Hector though arguably a hero in both eras would be better received in today’s world, while Achilles could be seen as a villain today but a hero in Ancient