Hector Vs. Achilles In The Iliad By Homer

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In The Iliad, an epic by Homer, the two main characters, Hector and Achilles, are both tremendously sagacious. Achilles has overcome many personal obstacles. Hector did better though, by fighting Achilles, he saved many innocent Trojan lives. Prince Hector is the most accomplished warrior in all of Troy. Achilles is the greatest spearman of the Myrmidons but is known to give up when times are tough. Hector has earned the title of admirable with his success by always trying to better himself, never giving up, and staying loyal to his homeland. First, Hector always tries to better himself, where Achilles continuously spirals into bad habits. Going the extra mile, for Hector, was always a reward in itself. However, getting insulted by two major adversaries depleted the prince’s confidence. Before his confidence was miniscule, the extra mile he took in The Iliad, was fighting Achilles when he could have retreated behind the gates of Troy. The epic tells the readers that Achilles is in a drunk rage and racing …show more content…

When something would go wrong, he would work to the best of his ability to make that particular problem go away. Hector, commanding the retreat, was a bad decision but he redeems himself by being the only Trojan left outside of Troy. Noticing Hector admires his subjects, he was in a constant battle with himself, only because he did not know how he would defeat Achilles. The people knew that Hector could not defeat Achilles in a one on one battle but he had to try despite the lack of faith. Achilles was not an easy foe to defeat, in fact, he was quite reckless and gave up way too soon. For example, after Patroclus died, Achilles bolted to Troy intending to murder every single person. This was undeniably reckless and he instead settled for Patroclus’ executioner. Hector knows that Achilles is on a rage path but he doesn’t give up and stands his ground like a good

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