Both Achilles and Homer obtain the qualities of an epic hero, but undoubtedly Hector is the better choice. There are ten main characteristics of an epic hero. First, they must be ethically and morally upright. This is one of hectors strongest epic hero traits because he tells Achilles, if he should win the battle, no matter how much he despises Achilles, he will not disrespect his body and it will be returned back to the Achaeans. On the other hand, Achilles says “Hector, I’ll have no talk of pacts with you, forever unforgiven as you are” (Homer70). As the story goes on Hector is defeated by Achilles and his corpse, as expected, is tortured and stabbed by the rest of the Achaean soldiers. This proves that whether or not they had a good relationship, …show more content…
He also must have strength, intelligence, and courage. Hector had the bravery and courage to stop running around Priams town after three laps (Homer 70) and admit to Achilles that he ran away in fear but now knows he must stop running and fight. Facing your fears is not easy, especially when it’s a matter of life or death, but Hector gained the courage to not only face Achilles, but to admit that he was scared and sometimes that takes more courage than we think. Another trait of an epic hero is that they face enormous obstacles. Hector goes into the fight knowing there is a chance he may not come out alive, but still he knows it’s what he has to do. If that’s not enough of an obstacle he looks at his wife Andromache, and his son Astyanax, not knowing for sure that it would be the last time he would ever see them, but knowing they are two important people he would be giving up if he were to lose the battle. An epic heroes life often ends tragically, and for Hector, this is the case. Achilles stabbed the spear through Hectors neck but not deep enough to damage his windpipe, leaving him able to speak respond (Homer 72). After asking for his body to be returned to his family and being rejected, Achilles pulls the spear from Hectors body killing him. Then he is stabbed by the Achaeans disrespecting what the Greeks believe