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1) Defining the Epic Hero: Achilles is often depicted as the quintessential “epic hero.” If Achilles is our model, what might we see as the strengths and weaknesses of the epic hero?

     Homers story The Iliad spoke about quintessential “epic hero’s”  from Hector of Troy to Achilles. Achilles viewed by his troops the Myrmidons as a perfect worrier of quality and class, but like everything Achilles had strengths and weaknesses of a hero.  In this story Achilles has more Flaws that I feel cause a negative outlook to his “epic hero” aspect.

     I will agree that Achilles has much strengths, he was a demigod born from Thetis and his father Peleus. This gave him extraordinary strength compared to the average man, and he also had a close relationship with the gods, and was no doubt about it the best worrier in Achaean army. He also had a strength in his words, he did not hesitate to argue with Agamemnon in telling him “When the sharing comes, your share is far the largest, and I, forsooth, must go back to my ships, take what I can get and be thankful, when my labour of fighting is done” (Homer 130). Agamemnon is king of Mycenae and commander-in-chief of the Achaean army, speaking to him in the way Achilles shows his strength due to the fact I am sure if any ordinary man would have spoken to the king in such a manor would have been put to death. Unfortunately Achilles flaws repetitively obstructed his ability to act with integrity and nobleness.

     Achilles ego is what will ultimately cause him his death, he even stated “My mother Thetis tells me that there are two ways in which I may meet my end. If I stay here and fight, I shall not return alive but my name will live forever, whereas if I go home my name will die, but it will be long ere death shall take me.” (Homer 156). This proves that he is willing to die so that his name and legend will live on for the ages, Achilles also shows lack of control with rage and pride when it comes under attacked.  When Agamemnon returns Chryseis, but in return takes Brises (daughter of Briseus) reminding Achilles that he is king, his pride becomes hurt. He decided to abandon his brothers in arms, and even called upon his mother Thetis, the goddess of the sea, to influence.

     During one of many battle Hector forced his way through the ranks of men and speared Patroclus  in the lower part of his belly (Homer 171).  When Achilles get word of his fallen friend rage consumes him and redirects  wrath toward Hector.  Achilles kills Hector, and desecrates his body by pulling it behind his chariot so everyone can view that he had killed him, he then  dragged Hectors corps back to his ship so the Trojans could not have him.

     Achilles did show some compassion, at the end of the book when king Priam came to Achilles.  He begged for Hectors corps so he can give him a proper burial.  This brought a memory to Achilles of his father Peleus, they both sat and cried together till the house filed with “lamentation” (Homer 189).  Priam spoke and asked “O king, bid me not be seated, while Hector is still lying uncared for in your tents, but accept the great ransom which I have brought you, and give him to me at once that I may look upon him” (Homer 191). Achilles then wrapped Hector to spare King Priam from seeing the destruction caused and let his father take him home.

My question to the class is what are your impressions of Achilles and what do you see as his strengths and weaknesses.

Works Cited

Homer. The Iliad. World Literature Through the Renaissance, Vol. 1. Ed. Linda Silva and William Overton. Charles Town, WV: APUS E-Press, 2011:141-142. Web. 26 July 2012.

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If Achilles is our model for the “epic hero” it is easy to see his many strengths and weaknesses as we read The Iliad. Many of Achilles strengths derive from his being born the son of an Immortal Goddess, Thetis, and the “loved of heaven” (Homer 129). The gods granted him his abilities which make him a great warrior.  Achilles is viewed as brave, valiant and strong; he is described in The Iliad as, “who in the day of battle is a tower of strength to the Achaeans” (Homer 133). So strong and stout is Achilles that a normal man cannot wield his spear or open the gates to his dwelling, which takes the strength of three men. To his people, the Myrmidons, and the Achaeans Achilles is seen as their champion, a “godlike hero” (Homer 171). Achilles is viewed as an “epic hero” who fought for honor so that his name could be remembered through the ages, even though his life may be short compared to normal men who grow old on their home countries land.

                Achilles strengths are also the stem for his weaknesses as an “epic hero”. Though he is brave, valiant and strong; he is also prideful, ill-tempered and quarrelsome with those he fights alongside if he feels that he has been dishonored. This is stated clearly in The Iliad when Agamemnon states,” There is no king here so hateful to me as you are, for you are ever quarrelsome and ill affected” (Homer 130). When Achilles feels that he is dishonored by Agamemnon and becomes infuriated so much that he allows this to effect his judgment and eventually leads to the death of many Achaeans and Myrmidons, many of his comrades lives could have been spared had this weakness not been present and he would have fought the Trojans. By allowing the weakness of his own fury to overtake him he is seen as shameful by the gods. This is evident when the gods view his actions after he has killed Hector and state, “Thus shamefully did Achilles in his fury dishonor Hector” (Homer 182). In spite of these weaknesses Achilles is viewed as an “epic hero” because of the pillar of strength and bravery that he portrays. My question is if Achilles is considered to be the ultimate hero, then what is Hector?

Reference:

Homer The Iliad