Hector's Code In The Iliad

“The Iliad” epic of Homer occurs in the 9th year of a decade battle between the Achaeans and Trojans. This greater fight puts Achilles (of Achaeans) as well as Hector (of the Trojans) in direct war since they are the best fighters in their particular society and thus accountable for leadership and inspiration of their people. In the epic, Agamemnon the son of Atreus is the Greek Commander. Hector who displays the bravery of Trojan soldiers is a prince. Even though there were many protagonist within the epic, Achilles and Hector are the most crucial chaarcters. Bold and relentless and their better skill in war makes them heroes before their peers. Being heroes, both Achilles together with Hector share traits generally connected with any person of eminent valor like worth, honor as well as bravery. Similarly, their efforts to surpass their bounds, both of them are governed by fate through the compassion of the gods. Regardless of similarities as greater fighter heroes, the pair vary massively in personal inspiration. According to the writer Achilles and Hector are most valuable characters in the Iliad as they are revered and also respected as heroes by everyone of their public. Conversely, they differ by the manner that they had relations with their families, the technique that they used to lead their troops, how they interact with and view the supremacy of the gods. This exegetical essay will explore and discusses the similarities between Hector and Achilles of The Iliad.

Meanwhile, Hector was often pictured as a strong, valiant man who also had a gentler side, unlike Achilles. Even when facing attacking armies, Hector fought to protect his family from the invading forces and for the survival of his city. It should be noted that before Hector faced the tragedies of the upcoming Trojan War, he blessed his only son and asked Zeus, the god of all gods, to grant his son to be like him, the “first in glory among the Trojans” (340). Though Hector was a better man in a moral sense when compared to Achilles, he still had some flaws. While attempting to eliminate Achilles, Hector mistakenly killed one of Achilles’ closest men, Patroclus, who happened to be wearing Achilles’ armor. After Patroclus’ death, Hector, under the belief that he had defeated the great Achilles, removed the armor from the corpse and wore it, which defiled the warrior’s respect and honor. Also, in “Book 22” of the Iliad, Hector tainted his honor during the arrival of Achilles by leaving “the gates [of Troy] behind and [fleeing] in fear” (347). Even though he fled Achilles, Hector knew that in order to save his people, he must face the great runner, and he did so for Troy. Unfortunately for Hector, he was facing certain death. When Hector took his final stand, Achilles, with Athena’s assistance, dealt the final blow that killed the great Hector. Due to the infinite outrage of the death of Patroclus’ death still dwelling inside of him, Achilles refused to return

Unlike Achilles, Hector bravely stays in the battle and calls upon Achilles. As Achilles rejoins the battle, Hector cowardly runs from Achilles thus also showing an un-hero like response from Hector. As the epic poem climax’s into the battle between Achilles and Hector, both characters are in angst to whom the God’s will side with.”I know you well- I see my fate before me./Never a chance that I could win you over.../Iron inside your chest, that heart of yours./But now beware, or my curse will draw God’s wrath/upon your head, that day when Paris and lord Apollo-/for all your fighting heart-destroy you at the Scaen Gates!” (Homer 22:420-424) In this quote Hector realizes that the Gods have sided with Achilles and death is near to Hector. As Achilles pursues to kill Hector, Hector pleads for a proper burial. This is because in Ancient Greek times, it was often believed if you did not have a proper burial, you were destined to suffer between worlds until your rites of passage into the underworld were completed. The Greeks saw immortality as areté, which means excellence and virtue. This is achieved through victory in battle which Hector was not able to obtain. “But this Achilles - first he slaughters Hector,/ He rips away the noble prince's life/ then lashes him to his chariot, drags him round/ his beloved comrade's tomb. But why, I ask you?/ What good will it do him?What honor will he gain?/Let that man

Although Achilles and Hector are both leaders of men, Hector leads with a mature sense that gives his men reason to respect him. In turn, Hector respects his men which gives fulfillment to both parties. Hector is not a man to sit around and mull over strategies and ideas - Hector is a man of action.

Honor is defined as a high respect given to an individual that brings credit. To receive honor is paralleled to being crowned with jewels and being regarded as a role model to all. The society that the Iliad portrays is “centered on the battlefield of achievement and its rewards” (Homer, xxi). The figures in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, partake in events that will allow them to “receive more honor and more material rewards” even if it means that they must indulge themselves in heightened risks that could end in death (xxiii). Hector, one of the most pivotal characters in the poem, illustrates the lust for glory and ignorance of everything else that holds just as much importance. As his character is strengthened, it can be seen that every

Homer concentrates on Hector throughout the chapter and makes comments about how brave and courageous he was. He also mentions that he is a great commander and leader of the Trojan army. In addition, Hector knew the reason behind the invasion which was Paris stealing Menelaus’ wife, Helen. This gives Agamemnon an excuse to attack Troy. Both Hector and his wife know that he is soon to meet his death, it’s inescapable. However, even though it is not his fight, he still feels compelled to go to war with his country and search for some vague glory. Hector seems to be very heroic. Moreover, Homer describes Hector as an immense warrior almost god-like. But in

Hector was considered the greatest warrior of Troy, but he did not approve of the war that had started between the Greeks and the Trojans. During the Trojan War, he was the leader of the Trojan army. Ever body seems to like Hector for being kind towards his people and fighting for what's right unlike Achilles. Hector always puts his family first before anything even when he disagreed with his wife Andromache when she told him not to go to war. It was said to be that however touched the Trojan sand would die immediately.

In the Iliad Homer depicts Hector as the hero. Hector is courageous for fighting even though Apollo abandoned him. Hector knew he would be in a big disadvantage in terms of strength and ability if he fought Achilles, but he had the courage to stand up to him. Hector was willing to fight Achilles for his people and his city, he knew in order for Troy to win the war, he had to defeat Achilles even if it will cost him his life. Achilles is portrayed as the villain or snake with deadly poisons. Hector follows an honor code for burial arrangements while Achilles was not willing to do the same and in the end desecrate his body. Achilles drags Hectors corpse behind his chariot around the city, trying to mock him. It shows how disgraceful Achilles and just makes Hector seem like more of a hero. When Hector died, the people of Troy cried out for Hector. Hector fought for his family and his people, while Achilles fought for glory and personal honor. Heroes are people who are willing to sacrifice themselves.

Hector, one of the greatest worries in the Trojan army, but would always be known from his death. He had all the wonderful ideas of how he would leave this world but of them came to pass. His mother tried to get he to understand that he could not defeat Achilles alone, she wanted him to get behind the wall for protection. Hector had his own agenda he was not running it was time to fight to the death. Now the moment he had been waiting for has arrived but he was not ready. Hector though he had it all planed out but when he saw Achilles he ran and ran around the city wall. Hector got tired of running and waiting on Achilles to get close because he though of a proposition.

Hector was also loved and respected by his society. He was one of the finest soldiers in the Trojan Army, it took Achilles who is again the strongest soldier from the Greek side, and the son of a god to kill him. Hector didn’t stop fighting to

Either I shall kill him and return in triumph, or I shall die with honour before the gate” (315). Hector wants to fight Achilles so that he could protect his people after he killed the wrong man, Patroclus. Nonetheless, he could have just let the Achaeans charge into Troy, and kill all of the Trojans, instead he fought Achilles one on one. Selflessness shows a warrior’s respect for others and the gods as they

In Webster's Dictionary, a hero is defined as a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of purpose, especially if this individual has risked or sacrificed his life. In the Iliad and the Odyssey, the code which administers the conduct of the Homeric heroes is a straightforward idea. The aim of every hero is to achieve honor. Throughout the Iliad and the Odyssey, different characters take on the role of a hero. Honor is essential to the Homeric heroes, so much that life would be meaningless without it. Thus, honor is more important than life itself.

Because of the promise of Kleos, a warrior is willing to risk everything he has, including his life, to fight in battle. When Hector makes a visit to Troy, he visits his wife and son. His wife tries to convince him to stay behind and not return, because if he does, he will die in battle. Hector knows this, but says he is willing to risk his life to obtain the glory he and the rest of Troy deserve (Fagles, 6. 510-555.)

Hector is also of royal blood, which gives him authority over his people and signifies his status as a nobleman. Therefore, Hector is a leader on the basis of his royal status, combat skills, and virtuous standing among the people. Hector is undeniably a rival to Greece and Achilles, but he is not the film’s primary villain. Hector is confident in his fighting abilities as well as the defensive capabilities of Troy’s walls on the eve of the conflict with the Greeks. Hector’s conflict with the Myrmidons and Achilles during the first conflict on the Trojan beach alarms Hector and gives him doubts regarding the Trojans’ fighting strength.

Hector is known for being the most courageous warrior of all Troy. He is the Trojan warrior that seizes the need for battle. In the poem he becomes Achilles enemy after