Free Essays - Character of Achilles in Homers Iliad :: Iliad essays

Character of Achilles in Homers IliadThe Iliad may be seen as an compute of the circumstances that irrevocably alter the life of superstar man Achilles, one of the greatest warriors. Throughout the course of the poem Achilles goes through many ordeals that diversify his character immensely. Starting with his quarrel with Agamemnon and withdrawal from battle, to the finis of Patroklos, and with the slaying of Hektor. Achilles emotions and actions subside the fate of many warriors on both sides. Achilles struggles with yellow bile, honor, pride, loyalty and love commence the poem more that just a gruesome war story. A large source of Achilles anger started with his fight with Agamemnon. Apollo put a gadfly on the Achaean soldiers that was violent death them off. The only way to stop this from killing them all was to give back a priests missy who had been captured. This girl belonged to Agamemnon and he didnt want to give her up unless he got Achilles girl in return. This wou ld disgrace Achilles honor but he could non let any more soldiers be killed so, he reluctantly let her go. But in return for giving up his girl he withdrew from the battle. Much of Achilles anger is a result of this occasion but the death of Patroklos later overrode his previous anger to Agamemnon. The death of Patroklos touched Achilles in many ways that changed and shaped his character. Many emotions were a result of his death such as love, loss, anger, and sadness. Patroklos was a sound friend to Achilles and when a mix of master intervention and Hektor cut Patroklos down grief and the desire to avenge his dear friends death consumed Achilles. This switched his anger from King Agamemnon to Hektor, the man who slew his dear friend. This anger drew Achilles to avenge the death of his friend, to kill Hektor. The slaughter of Hektor is gruesome and horrid. non only did Achilles kill Hektor but, he hung him by his ankles, attached him to his chariot and dragged boss around aro und the burial site of Patroklos. This is horrible enough but Achilles for a while refused to give Priam, father of Hektor and King of Troy, back the body of Hektor for ripe burial. He was going to let it be eaten by the dogs, though the gods defend his body from this.