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Fate In The Iliad Research Paper

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Though most people would like to think that they can control their destiny, one’s fate is something that cannot be altered. No amount of anything can factor into contributing to one’s providence. Fate is something that is inevitably predetermined and should be accepted by everyone as it is out of their hands. Though it is not as meaningful in today’s world, the idea of fate was immensely important to the ancient culture of Greece. In the Iliad, fate plays an extensive role in the plot of the story as it is conspicuous in the actions of Hektor and Achilles. Being the brother of Paris and Troy’s strongest warrior, Hektor is dragged into the war to defend Troy’s citizens from the incoming onslaught of the Greeks. Towards the end of the war …show more content…

Throughout the Iliad, Achilles is constantly concerned with his glory and how he will be remembered by his fellow Greeks. He even goes as far as to temporarily leave the Greek army, when his glory and honor is threatened by a fellow Greek. At first, Achilles, having a powerful and vigorous personality, believes that he is in charge of his own fate. When the dying Hektor warned Achilles of his oncoming death, Achilles responded by saying, “Die: and I will take my death at whatever time” (Homer, Book XXII, 268). His arrogance blinds him from recognizing that his fate uncontrollable. However, it is when the war draws to a close and Achilles experiences the death of his comrades, that he realizes his true meaning in all of fighting. This comes as he is faced with a crossroad in his life: He can either return to Troy, but live a long life without glory, or he can continue fighting at Troy and win great glory, as he dies on the battlefield. Achilles understands that it was his fate to earn his honor and die during the war. Though not presented in the story of the Iliad, legends tell that it was Paris who killed Achilles with a bow and arrow, ending the hero’s

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