Qualities of a Hero Illustrated in Homer’s Epic Poem, The...

The Ancient Greeks idealized and worshiped their heroes, this is portrayed in Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad. To become a hero in ancient Greece, one would have to live and die in pursuit of glory and honor. Both Achilles and Hector seek victory in battle to become the â€Å"true hero.† Although both characters possess many hero-like qualities, Hector proved to be the genuine hero. Heroes are viewed differently today as the average person who is admired for courage or outstanding achievements such as firemen and police officers. The ancient Greeks viewed heroes as those that acquire more than just courage, they must be strong and inspiring as well. Although Achilles proved to be several of these entities, the Iliad begins with†¦show more content†¦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 fight ing 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 aretà ©, which means excellence and virtue. This is achieved through victory in battle which Hector was not able to obtain. â€Å"But this Achilles - first he slaughters Hector,/ He rips away the noble princes life/ then lashes him to his chariot, drags him round/ his beloved comrades tomb. But why, I ask you?/ What good will it do him?What honor will he gain?/Let that manShow MoreRelatedComparing Two Works Of Art Essay2100 Words   |  9 Pagesand Ajax Playing a Dice a Game†. It was painted in 525–52 0 B.C in Greece and it represents the ancient Greece. The literary artwork I will consider is The Iliad, an epic poem by the ancient Greek poet Homer in 750 BCE. I will compare both artworks and connect them to the contemporary period debating the similarities and differences that the poem and the ceramic have and how they influenced our modern world, which help the creation of the film Troy led by Brad Pitt, Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom in 2004