Introduction
Homer’s Iliad contains several interesting stories of different men and women who lived in ancient Greece, followed their dreams, and fulfilled their duties. Achilles was a great Greek warrior who influenced the outcome of the Trojan War. Hector was a known Trojan leader whose intentions instilled respect and recognition among his followers and even enemies.
The heroes vary in their ambitions, goals, and methods, revealing Homer’s intention to indicate specific characteristics within a particular context. Many people correctly believe that Achilles is the hero because of his strong military and leadership abilities, his physical strength, and his attempts to win every battle. However, in almost every one of his actions, the reader may notice a tone of arrogance and manipulation.
Comparing the heroism of the chosen characters, one should realize that both men deserved the right to become the real heroes in the poem. However, Achilles’s thirst for glory has nothing in common with Hector’s desire to protect his home and family. Therefore, Hector, not Achilles with his hurt ego, is the real hero of the Iliad because of his high level of responsibility, selflessness, and loyalty.
Comparison of Heroism in Achilles vs. Hector
Hector and Achilles demonstrate strong leadership in battle, but their main difference lies in the motifs they follow. From the beginning of the story, Hector demonstrates his duties as a son of the king, a loyal husband, and a supportive brother. Although everyone knows that the relationship between Paris and Helen provokes the war between the two nations, Hector is the one who supports his brother and shows a genuine positive attitude toward Helen. Compared to Achilles, who focuses on his demands and interests, Hector values his responsibility to his family and country and never throws his words to the wind.
Selflessness during the war and in everyday relationships is one of the strongest qualities Hector has compared to Achilles. Hector is the real hero because he knows the line between bravery and arrogance. He does not back down, even when he knows about potential threats and challenges. At the same time, he listens to other characters’ recommendations to obtain the support and military experience he needs.
On the contrary, Achilles’ communication is based on the necessity to find some gratification from his resentment. His damaged ego makes him irrational and unfair in some decisions. For Hector, his pride as a warrior becomes his strength and weakness. Yet, he does not look like Achilles, who wants to glorify his individual achievement. His purpose is to protect his home and guide other soldiers to victory.
Finally, despite the brutal nature of the Iliad, Hector’s loyalty to his wife and son reminds the reader of the importance of warm and kind relationships between people. The man deeply loves his family and tries to protect their well-being by any possible means. Trojan and Greek men have access to multiple loving affairs, but Hector never betrays his wife, Andromache, and respects her for giving birth to their son, Astyanax. Hector’s death becomes a significant loss for his family and the nation, and even Achilles learns the value of his enemy by allowing Priam, Hector’s father, to bring his dead body home and bury him with all respect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the heroism of Achilles and Hector deserves attention and recognition. Both men become true heroes among their followers and nations, but Hector is the real hero in the story from multiple perspectives. His responsibility to his family and soldiers, his selflessness in battle, and his loyalty to love make Hector a unique character. Unlike Achilles, with his broken ego, Hector focuses on the glory and safety of everyone, making him the real man and hero in the Iliad.