Hero Dialogue
In the Iliad, Achilles develops as a hero and the greatest warrior in the Achaean army during the Trojan War and is renowned for courage, skill, and superhuman strength in battle. To earn his designation as a hero, he leads the Myrmidons, a fierce and loyal group of warriors, in many successful raids against the Trojans. In the book XVI, Patroclus, the closest companion of Achilles, pleads with him to join the battle or lend him his armour against Trojans “Yet me at least send thou forth speedily, and with me let the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow, if so be I may prove a light of deliverance to the Danaans” (Murray) which reflects his superhuman strength as Myrmidons were originally ants that were transformed into humans by Zeus.
Achilles has the benefits and burdens that come with his role as a hero in the Iliad because Achilles is a character who has complex and extremely interesting attributes. He is a hero, unlike other heroic characters who embody both the best or engrossing and worst or diverting aspects of human nature. Achilles as a hero has the benefit of having a close relationship with the gods especially his mother, Thetis, who intervenes on his behalf and grants him divine favors most often. For instance, Thetis persuades Zeus to help the Trojans while Achilles is angry with Agamemnon “Father Zeus, if ever amid the immortals I gave you aid by word or deed” (Murray). In the book I, she persuades Zeus “do honour to my son, who is doomed to a speedy death beyond all other men; yet now Agamemnon, king of men, has dishonoured him” as she herself is angry with Achilles’ arrogance but asks Zeus to honor his son “Olympian Zeus, lord of counsel; and give might to the Trojans” (Murray). Regardless of his heroic qualities, Achilles is prone to anger, pride, and vengeance, which often cloud his judgment as his mother, Thetis is also angry with Achilles when she asks Zeus to help Trojans against her own son. Achilles quarrels with Agamemnon over a captive woman Briseis due to his anger and vengeance that lead him to act impulsively and cruelly.
A hero is supposed to be a person who acts with nobility and integrity but ironically Achilles lacks this heroic ability although he owns superhuman strength and has parallel relationships and associations with the gods. The Iliad’s hero, Achilles, has all the marks of a great warrior but his deep-seated character makes him different from the rest of the society as his character flaws hinder him from acting with nobility and goodness to his people as well as his enemies. Moreover, Achilles and David are both renowned and powerful warriors who led their people in battles against enemies but both had different goals and motivations for fighting. Achilles and David both are celebrated for their courage and strength in combat but Achilles fought for personal glory and honor while David fought for God and His chosen people.
Works Cited
Murray, Augustus Taber, ed. The Iliad. 1924.
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