Achaeans

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…

Books I-III The story of the Iliad starts 9 years into the Trojan War. The reason the Achaeans and Greeks were battling it out like schoolboys was over a girl, Helen of troy, formerly the bride of Menelaus, who had run away with the prince of troy, Paris, who was granted the love of the most beautiful woman at the time by Aphrodite, the goddess of love, on the condition the he declared her the paramount goddess. He did, and thus he was awarded the love of Helen. Menelaus declares war on the…

to take Briseis away from Achilles as a replacement prize, placing his honor above the wellbeing of his army. To this, Achilles lashes out at Agamemnon, retorting that he is, “clothed in shamelessness, thinking of profit, how shall any man of the Achaeans obey your words with a ready heart either to go on a journey or to fight against men with force?” (147-149) Through these words, Achilles broke out from underneath Agamemnon, refusing to take his orders and stating that the men he leads will…

Abdul Rahman Zindani Dr. Rigoni Paper #1 The Value of the Gods to Achilles Throughout most of The Iliad, Achilles spends his time avoiding the battle against the Trojans rather than supporting his fellow Achaeans on the battlefield. Achilles’s personal values seem to greatly influence his reasons as to why he shouldn’t go out to fight. In Book 9, Achilles’s speech refers to many different values that could justify his reasons for holding back (225). Of these values, Achilles is most vocal…

In the Iliad, we see two great men, Achilles and Hector. The reader is introduced to their stories, and the greater story that their lives are a part of. This book is dedicated to the clashes between the Trojans and the Achaeans, and all the details behind the big picture. It has been nine years since the Trojan War, and a new fight has begun over a woman, once again. Emotions are flying high, and two proposed heroes arise. Through the development of the characters, the reader sees that although…

This passage demonstrates how much emphasis the Achaeans put on glory and battle. Everyone in the Achaean army, including Nestor, knew that only Achilles could beat Hector, yet it was their duty to try anyway. Not jumping at a challenge like this would have been seen as cowardice. Nestor’s response to such cowardice indicates…

Literary Analysis of Iliad Who owns you? The self-determination of women has transformed over time. In many parts of today’s world, women are treated as equals to men, but in Homer’s Iliad this is not the case. Women in Iliad are portrayed in many ways, but none of them can choose their destiny. Woman such as Chryseis are treated as property or prizes, Helen who is a beauty is blamed for the Trojan War, whereas Andromache is shown as a dutiful wife who is respected by her husband. In the…

claiming to be the son of Perseus led the people to revolt and the citizens indeed had some success in besting Rome during battle. The excitement of revolt reached Greece along with the once captive Achaeans whom felt that slavery was better than “being free” in Rome. “In c. 146 B.C. the chief city of the Achaean league was captured; the art treasures, pictures, and statues, the splendid products of Greek genius, were sent to Rome.” (Morey, 2010, para 4) The Roman senate was seen as cruel,…

Throughout the history of literature, there have been many different examples of the characteristics present in a heros. Such works of literature come from great ancient societies such as the Greeks and the Romans. “Ancient Greek society placed considerable emphasis on literature and, according to many, the whole Western literary tradition began there, with the epic poems of Homer.”(Mastin) Examples of these include Homer’s, The Iliad and The Odyssey, as well as Virgil’s The Aeneid. The heroes…

However, Achilles brings down Hector to where he is seen pleading to Achilles not to “let the dogs devour [him] by the Argive ships” (Fagles 552). As shown, Hector starts out as a glorified hunter feared by the Achaeans to pleading to Achilles at the end of his death. Understanding the message that even the strongest falls has definitely changed my life. This message has help me in life to be very cautious of becoming too trusting or dependent on someone else because…