Trojan War in Homer´s The Iliad - 868 Words

Homer’s Heroes The epic poem called The Iliad written by Homer concerns the Trojan War. It shows Trojan and Achaean warriors’ courage, bravery and their attempt to become the best fighter to get fame, glory, and honor. The heroes in The Iliad follow Homer’s heroic code, striving for excellence. Hector and Achilles’ strength comes from their desire for fame, glory, honor and their acceptance of fate. These qualities are considered to be characteristics of Homer’s heroic code. However, the actions of Paris are not heroic causing trouble and conflict for many people. In fact, Paris’ non-heroic action started the Trojan War and the hatred between Greece and Troy. A strong character in The Iliad, Hector, is a hero due to the actions and†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Thetis...tells me of two possible destinies...two ways: if on one hand I remain to fight around Troy town, I lose all hope of home but gain unfading glory; on the other, if I sail back to my own land my glory fails- but a long life lies ahead of me.† (K 47-54) The proper burial which Achilles does for all his victims in the war is a heroic action. Since burial is a very important thing for both Achaeans and Trojans, the families of the dead ones were able to appreciate Achilles’ respect for the dead people. Andromache says of Achilles attack on her father: â€Å"He killed him, but, reverent at least in this, did not spoil him. Body, gear, and weapon forged so handsomely, he burned, and heaped a barrow over the ashes. Elms were planted round by mountain-nymphs of him who bears the storm-cloud.† (J 127-33) Achilles requests to his mother, Thetis, to ask Zeus and make the Trojans stronger until Agamemnon and his army realize that they need Achilles back in order to win the war. So, Thetis asks Zeus, â€Å"Lend the Trojans power,/ until the Achaeans recompense my son/ and heap new honour upon him!† (C 20-23) The strategy that Achilles plans works out and eventually he is back in the army. However since he chooses fame and glory over a long and relaxing life, the time for Achilles death comes. Being the hero that he is, Achilles accepts his fate when Hector foreshadows it and mentions his death is close by.Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Homer s The Iliad 1348 Words   |  6 PagesFor thousands of years the Trojan War, spoken of in Homer s epic poem the Iliad, has been believed to have been a legend made up by Homer rather than a poem based on historical fact. 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The character of women in the Odyssey is to exhibit the many and diverse roles that women play in the lives of men. These functions vary from characters such as the goddess that help them to the nymphs who trick them