This essay examines the concept of heroism in Homer's Iliad by comparing its two central warriors, Achilles and Hector. While Achilles is traditionally celebrated for his physical prowess, fearlessness, and divine connections, the essay argues that his motivations are fundamentally selfish — driven by a desire for personal glory and immortal fame rather than duty or love. Hector, by contrast, fights to protect his family and fellow Trojans, openly acknowledges his fears, and embodies compassion alongside courage. Through close reading of character and motivation, the essay concludes that Hector's humanity and selflessness make him the truer hero of the epic, despite his defeat on the battlefield.
One of the central heroes of Homer's great epic, The Iliad, is Achilles. Known for his handsome appearance and physical invulnerability, Achilles is driven by a compelling need and desire to have his memory preserved in history. Although this desire is expressed as Achilles' personal compulsion, Homer clearly intended it to be reflective of humankind in general. This desire for everlasting immortality remains an important part of Western culture even today.
The real question is whether Achilles' actions in the Iliad qualify him as a true hero. Most readers of the epic view Achilles as a hero, but a more careful reading may raise doubts about his status as such. Part of Achilles' appeal is based on his described appearance and charm. He has the traditional hallmarks of a hero: a muscular build denoting extreme strength, handsome and masculine features, and an apparent close relationship with the various Greek gods. In battle, he is apparently fearless and stands out as the bravest member of the army. These are attributes that society would expect to find in its heroes, but there are other aspects of Achilles' character that are decidedly less than heroic.
The great dilemma for Achilles is presented to him by his mother, Thetis. She points out to Achilles, as he is deciding whether to go to battle on behalf of the Achaean army, that his options are clear: he can fight in the war, become a hero, and be remembered forever, or he can stay home, live his life happily, and die in old age. Reflecting on this advice, Achilles states: "My mother … tells me that there are two ways in which I might meet my end. If I stay and fight, I shall not return alive but my name will live for ever; whereas if I go home my name will die, but it will be long ere death shall take me" (Iliad, p. 51). In the end, Achilles weighs his options and decides to fight — but his decision is not based on altruism. It is based on selfishness.
Achilles' compelling need was to ensure his immortality, a need grounded in selfishness. He is determined to do whatever is necessary to accomplish his goal. Achilles seeks glory and honor, and his every motivation is based on his need to be considered a hero. There is little concern expressed for the fate of his country or the protection of its people. The net result is the same — Achilles leads the Achaean army to victory and, in the process, saves his people — but his motivation is suspect, and therefore so is his status as a true hero.
The true hero of the Iliad may well be Achilles' nemesis, Hector. Although Hector and his Trojan army eventually lose the battle with Achilles and the Achaean forces, his actions are admirable throughout the epic, and it is his conduct that enables the Trojans to sustain their resistance. Hector's heroism does not arise solely from his actions in battle but from the way he leads his entire life.
Hector is a warm and compassionate individual who is totally dedicated to his family. Unlike Achilles, who is motivated by personal glory, Hector is motivated to protect his country and his fellow Trojan citizens. He does not seek or pursue personal glory. He does not pretend to be unafraid when entering battle, and he is not reluctant to admit that he has human flaws. He is capable of anger, but he is equally capable of demonstrating compassion.
"Contrasting motivations, values, and battlefield conduct"
Overall, the differences between the two warriors were much stronger than their similarities. They both rise to fame on the same field of battle in the same war, but they emerge from it with very different legacies. Because of their different beliefs, different strengths and weaknesses, and their different loyalties, one is a true hero and one is not.
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