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Heros In Homer's Iliad

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Throughout history, the idea of a hero has changed in multiple ways. Some cultures believed that the most brutal and accomplished male warriors were heros, while other cultures believed heros to be brave and independent women. Despite the minor differences, it has been acknowledged consistently that a hero is selfless and honorable. In Homer’s Iliad, we see a culture recognizes warriors as heros. In this story, the final years of the Trojan War are described and explained from different sides. The book’s main focus is on the Achaean side, specifically the character Achilles, in whom we can see correlations with Joseph Campbell’s Hero With A Thousand Faces and the Homeric Pattern. Achilles was seen as one of the biggest heroes of his day, however, some people today disagree. After examining Achilles’ actions and motivations throughout the story, it can be seen that he is not the hero his people believed him to be. Achilles is the son of the goddess Thetis, and therefore one of the strongest immortals. He is famous for being the fastest runner and the greatest warrior of his time. Book I is where we first see characteristics of Achilles, specifically his anger and rage. Achilles wants to escape death and flee back home. However the Achaean king, Agamemnon, has ordered that they stay and fight. Achilles takes it into his own hands to call a meeting and attempt to convince everyone to agree with him (I, li. 61-77). This selfish and disrespectful act causes an argument not only

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