Achilles : An Epic Hero

Despite Achilles being well-known for being the greatest hero in the Iliad, the only thing that technically makes him a hero is the fact that he was birthed by the Greek Goddess Thetis. His unwise ways of behavior indicate that he has been worn down by war after returning to the war due to Patroclus’s death. Achilles weakened the Achaean heroic code by being stubborn enough to refuse to

Even this early in the epic, it is difficult to believe Achilles would ever settle for a long life without glory.

Achilles and Odysseus are both epic heroes because they face their external conflicts or struggles with the world and fight as strong warriors. First, Achilles stabbed Hektor in the neck and then “…had in mind for Hektor’s body outrage and shame. Behind both feet he pierced the tendons, heel to ankle. Rawhide cords he drew through both and lashed them to his

     In the introduction of the Essential Illiad given by Sheila Murnaghan, Achilles is labeled as “the greatest of the Greek heroes”. In classic mythology a hero is a person of great strength and courage celebrated for bold exploits and is often the offspring of a mortal and a god. Achilles was the greatest fighter among the Greeks or Trojans and feared no man in battle. He was also the offspring of a mortal and a god so by classic mythology definition, Achilles was indeed a hero. A hero is defined by the present day Websters Dictionary as: “one who inspires through manners and actions; an individual who leads through personal example and accomplishments requiring bravery, skill, determination,

However, his comrades are all relying on this great hero to win the war for them and he does eventually return to the battle field so he can be remembered and obtain glory as does any epic hero secretly wants. The author John Keats agrees with me when he states in his article, “And he peoples it with towering heroes who thirst for honor and fight shattering wars.” (Keats, John). Another reason that qualifies Achilles as an epic hero is the fact that the Gods favor him throughout the poem because of his close relationship with them, but they usually do what is best for their hero; even if it means doing absolutely nothing, which they eventually do. Achilles is an epic hero that goes on a journey, and although he might not be the greatest hero, he is considered an epic hero.

As soon as we are exposed to Achilles in battle, it is obvious why he is the hero of the Achaeans. He is very devoted, and even the heat of battle does not faze him, as he mows down rows and rows of his opponents. His devotion in battle is suitably shown when he is talking of battle:

A comparison of Homer’s Achilles and Virgil’s Aeneas brings up the question concerning what makes someone an epic hero. Although each poet lived in a dramatically different time period, with different literary integrity, Homer and Virgil each portray an epic hero using different development of the characters, but similar themes and influences. Achilles and Aeneas demonstrate that an epic hero will do whatever it takes to fulfill their duties while simultaneously displaying the difference between Greek and Roman Society. The question will be answered by first, analyzing the individual characteristics of Achilles, a merciless warrior, and Aeneas, a civilized leader, then

Achilles is the son of Peleus, who is the king of Myrmidon. He was the fearless, striking, and a substantial warrior of the army of Agamemnon in the Trojan war. In Greek mythology, Achilles is notorious for having a preference between a long and peaceful life, or a quick life that will guide him to eternal glory. He states that, “There are no covenants between sheep and wolves, nor between you and me” (Achilles). Achilles had a desire for glory, when it came to the battlefield, but he was fierce and short tempered when it came to Agamemnon. He had superhuman strength, that brought out a sign of worry for the individuals that were on his team. He possessed resistance to injury due to his semi saintly birth.

Homer introduced to the world the epic life story of Achilles. The poem Iliad accounted the life events of a half-god, half mortal hero. Achilles became an epic hero when he fought for his homeland. His heroic actions made him a protagonist for his fellow Greeks who fought wars for the king. The life of the Greek half-go half-mortal hero has several adaptations however it does not matter because the most important events in his life was when he became a part not just of a very rich Greek history but also of the world’s literature. Achilles became one of the highlights in the Trojan War (Hunter).

Epic warriors have significant inspiration in British literature. An epic is an enlightening story to portray a historical or fictional figure who centralizes on concepts such as braveness, glory and physical strength. Despite of extraordinary abilities, epic heroes do not have longevity because they prefer a short life with remarked glory rather than dying in obscurity. Achilles is known as one of the great warriors of Greek mythology, and a heroic character participated in the Trojan War. Both Beowulf and Achilles are remarkable figures in the British literature which portrays them as examples of heroic archetype. It goes without to say that Beowulf and Achilles are depicted as epic warriors; however, they do perform different motivation of their parents’ desire for glory, so Beowulf fights for his King’s peace and communities while Achilles fights for revenge.

The Greek God Achilles was a great hero. He was the son of Peleus and Thetis. He has two different names, Achilleas and Achilleus. His heart was with Briseis, a queen of the Asia Minor and her heart was with him. He was famous for his manly beauty, only bad thing was that he had a weak spot, his heel. He became immortal when he was born.

Taken away from this can be seen his hot-headed, desirous side come out and from this point he plunges into a personal journey of finding what it is to be powerful and still set morals. Achilles is the true epic hero in the Iliad. It is much easier to look at Achilles’ temperament, murderous cruelty, and sulkiness, and think what a disagreeable man, but in Greek literature this is what most true heros

In the work of literature known as The Iliad, written by Homer and translated by Robert Fagles, the writing can be classified as an epic. Said classification can be noted due to traits of a hero playing a significant role in others, supernatural beings and events complicating the plot, universal ideas (such as good versus evil), and the hero going on a journey to achieve a goal. Such traits can be noted as a hero comes from mysterious origins. In the Rage of the Achilles, “...sing the rage of Peleus’ [a goddess] son of Achilles” (Page: 182. Line 1). Achilles being the son of Peleus, a goddess, grants Achilles with superhuman traits. In Greek mythology, Achilles is written as being immortal around his entire body, except his heel. It is also noted of a hero being of high importance; his actions determining the fate of a nation or group of people.

To be a great warrior you must possess many great skills like courage, strength, endurance, and knowledge. Achilles had all of these skills plus many more. During the movie, Troy, he expresses all of his skills during the Trojan War. Achilles is very arrogant and self centered, but as the movie and war go on he transforms into a heartfelt mortal human being.

In the Iliad there are many characters that could be considered heroic. But the two main characters that stand out as heroes to me are swift-footed Achilles and flashing-helmet Hector. Numerous times throughout the epic they display qualities and traits that are unsurpassed by anyone on their side. Many times throughout the epic Achilles and Hector are tested for their strength, and will to win in battle, which for both warriors always ends up positive because they always win their battles. Although both fighters are among the elite status in the armies, they each show human and god-like qualities that help them be as a fierce and feared as possible.