Introduction
People praise the Greeks for having great leaders who are competent and take full responsibility for their actions. Achilles is a brave soldier who people recognize for his heroism, desire for honor, and pride. He explicitly fights in battles and takes responsibilities with full preparedness while risking his life. The character traits of Achilles reveal how the Greeks view heroism and outline their values such as fearlessness and fame.
Achilles, The Brave Soldier
Achilles is full of pride as he tells Patroclus that there is no significant reason to grieve, claiming that Agamemnon’s people repaid for their misdeeds. However, Achilles is courageous since Priam warns Hector that, “…you can’t fight Achilles alone like that, without any support…” (“The Iliad chapter 21-22 From the Essential Homer – Stanley Lombardo Translation”). Honor is also a fundamental trait of Achilles; for instance, in Patroclus’s words to the Myrmidons, “Remember whose men you are fighting and for whose honor” (“The Iliad Chapter 16 Lombardo”). Achilles is extremely sensitive to honor and reputation.
The characteristics of Achilles are clear implications of Greeks and their values. They term heroism and military service as desirable and appreciate individuals who possess such characters (The Essential Homer Introduction (Edited)). The Greeks acknowledged their desire for fame and honor, just like Achilles, who the Myrmidons and Patroclus fight for his glory. They remember extraordinary individuals for performing excellent and glorious deeds and grant them special privileges.
The motivations and performances of Achilles outline great lessons on the Greeks’ sense of heroism and authority. The Greeks view bravery as depending on the intensity of exploits on battlefields (“Janux” 0:00 – 0: 48). Achilles is a fearless soldier, indicated by his strength as he publicly humiliates and defiles Hector’s corpse. Moreover, his actions mean the Greek recognize courageousness after an individual takes responsibilities even in challenging times. Achilles deals with grief after the death of Patroclus while vowing to execute Hector, and through this action, he risks his life. For instance, Hector says, “…and I will have my vengeance on that day when Paris and Apollo destroy you…” (“The Iliad chapter 21-22 From the Essential Homer – Stanley Lombardo Translation”). The Greeks view people like Achilles as brave and heroes.
Conclusion
The personality traits of Achilles are essential in identifying the values of the Greeks and their perception towards heroism and authority. Achilles is brave, desires honor, and has other undesirable qualities such as pride and temper. The Greeks view heroism based on battle performances and challenges experience while seeking justice for fallen heroes, such as risking their lives, and Achilles’ actions are clear indications of their view.
Works Cited
“Law and Justice – Justice and Vengeance: Homer – 3.2 Iliad and Justice” YouTube,
The Essential Homer Introduction (Edited).pdf
The Iliad Chapter 16 Lombardo.
The Iliad chapter 21-22 From the Essential Homer – Stanley Lombardo Translation.pdf