Alvi Rahman
Y1 Seminar
Professor Miller
11-9-16
Achilles; Epitome of the Heroic Code In The Iliad by Homer, a hero named Achilles is an epitome of the heroic code which is defined as self-sacrificing and staying true to your word. By taking away his war prize, Briseis, Agamemnon causes Achilles to leave the war and abandon his fellow Achaeans. Even when he is bribed later on to rejoin the fight against the Trojans, Achilles refuses to do so, as it would go against his own word of his previous decision, devaluing the heroic code. Achilles displays glory and honor when he decides to go back to war in exchange for the risk of his life. He further displays his heroic character when he kills Hector and drags him around the city, on the dirt…show more content… He does this in order to gain his glory and honor back. When Patroclus had died, Achilles was filled with rage, as the story states his mother “found her beloved son lying facedown, embracing Patroclus’ body [...] The more he gazed, the deeper his anger went, his eyes flashing under his eyelids, fierce as fire”. (Homer, 488). By taking revenge for Patroclus, he is redeeming glory for leaving the war in the first place, therefore showing his devotion to being a hero. Not only is he showing devotion to being a hero, he is also showing devotion to not eating until he has slain Hector for what he had done to his long time friend. By starving himself, Achillies is He not only helps his friend, but also his fellow warriors. He rejoins the battle at the right moment since the Trojans were just beginning to overpower them. Achilles makes the right decision of re-joining the war because if the Acheans were to lose the war without Achilles, he would be blamed heavily for not taking…show more content… He displays bravery and courage as he kills Hector. The story states, “Godlike Achilles gloried over him: “Hector - surely you thought when you stripped Patroclus’ armor that you, you would be safe! [...] his great avenger waited, a greater man by far - that man was I! And you the dogs will maul you, while Achaeans bury my dear friend in glory!” (Homer, 552). By avenging his friend’s death, he not only regains the honor he lost in losing his friend, but also is able to show off the superiority of his physical abilities. When Achilles kills Hector, he drags Hector's body around in the dirt, degrading his position to that of dirt, therefore signifying the deprivation of Hector’s honor and glory. By doing this, Achilles is showing that by harming Hector, he is honoring his friend Patroclus. Despite Hector not being alive, Achilles is able to make him lose his dignity and honor by disrespecting his body in front of everyone. Achilles isn’t disheartened by the consequences that might follow the dishonoring of Hector’s body. He is content with his actions, being able to punish his enemy Hector and avenge his friend Patroclus as he said he would, further exemplifying his heroic character. In conclusion, Achilles’ actions enforced that he was a legitimate hero. Throughout most of the book, Achilles did not care what other people or gods would
