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Examples Of Achilles In The Iliad

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In the movie Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen, writer David Benioff takes a strong stance on his characterization of Achilles compared to in the Iliad. In Troy there's an emotional side of Achilles that isn't apparent in the Iliad. In the Iliad Achilles is portrayed more like a God than a human.

In the Iliad Achilles is characterized as a fierce, savage warrior. He’s seen as the invincible, God-like hero of Greece. One example of his savagery are his actions before and after he kills Hector. These actions are seen in both the Iliad and the movie Troy. Hector, knowing he’s fighting the greatest warrior of their time and will most likely die, asks Great Achilles that the loser be honored and their body be given back to their family. Achilles responds with “ There can be no …show more content…

This also shows he sees himself as much stronger than Hector calling him a lamb and considering himself a wolf. Then after he kills Hector he ties Hector's body to his chariot and drags his body in the sand. Achilles greatly disrespects Hector and his family.

Benioff takes a different approach to characterizing Achilles. In the movie Troy a “softer” side of Achilles is shown. Achilles is seen more like a human than a god as his emotions are expressed. One example of Achilles emotions showing is when King Priam of Troy approaches Achilles in the Greek camps. Priam has seen enough disrespect given to his son. When asked who he is Priam respond with “ I have endured what no one on earth has endured before. I kissed the hands of the man who killed my son.” He then asks Achilles for his son's

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