Essay on Heroes in the Iliad - 1113 Words

Throughout The Iliad, the heroic characters make decisions based on a definite set of principles, which are referred to as the code of honor. The heroic code that Homer presents to the reader is an underlying cause for many of the events that take place, but many of the characters have different perceptions of how highly the code should be regarded. Hektor, the greatest of the Trojan warriors, begins the poem as the model of a Homeric hero. His dedication and strict belief in the code of honor is illustrated many times throughout the course of The Iliad. An example of this is presented in book three of the poem, where Hektor reprimands Paris for refusing to fight. He says to Paris, Surely now the flowing-haired Achains laugh†¦show more content†¦You yourself would fight with another whom you saw anywhere hanging back from the hateful encounter, (6:327). Paris agrees that he has been dishonoring himself, and tells Hektor he will return with him to fight. Hektor then goes to f ind Andromache, who is standing by the walls outlining the battlefield with Astanax, their son. When Andromache pleads with Hektor to stay home and cease fighting, Hektor refuses, telling her that he would feel deep shame in front of the Trojans if he were to withdraw himself from the war. Hektor then tells Andromache that the thought of her being dragged off by the Achains troubles him, but he is relieved by the knowledge that she will be looked at as the wife of Hektor, who was ever the bravest fighter of the Trojans, breakers of horses, in the days when they fought about Ilion, (6:460). This causes Andromache to shed tears. On the one hand, she understands Hektors beliefs and deep sense of morality, but on the other feels it is just as honorable to stay home and care for ones family. This is a second place in which Hektor feels torn between two conflicting responsibilities. A characters social status was mainly based upon his performance in the battlefield. Achilleus is a tragic figure who believes strongly in social order, but questions the idea of fighting for glory. When Aias and Odysseus are sent by Agamemnon to plead with Achilleus to fight for the Greeks, Achilleus denies them, saying ThereShow MoreRelatedThe Iliad and Greek Heroes1500 Words   |  6 PagesThe Iliad is an epic tale of war and heros within the Greek way of life. A predominant and consistent theme of honor and glory reside throughout the poem. The motivation for any Homeric Greek is glory, or Kleos, that is to be honored and respected among their people. Emphasis is put on living by the heroic code. Honor is essential to the Greeks and life would not be worth living without it. 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Honor is essential to the Greeks and life would not be worth living without it. When a warrior or hero is advised to avoid risking their life in battle it almost drives themRead MoreThe Iliad, A Homeric Epic That Depicted The Age Of Heroes987 Words   |  4 Pages The Iliad, a Homeric epic that depicted the Age of Heroes in Archaic Greece. An age of giant, god-like, men, and a time of true heroism. The themes of the Iliad encompass a realm consisting of the principles of justice, vengeance, and honour in Achaean society. A monumental theme that Homer brought through the Iliad was the idea of Greek Shame culture, which Involved public praise and blame, to honor and shame one before others in one s society. The assemblies, called by the Achaean commandersRead MoreTragic Heroes of The Iliad and Oedipus Rex Analysis749 Words   |  3 Pagesonly in the man, but in the occasion† (brainyquote.com). Heroes are among one of the most popular literary figures of all time. 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