How Is Hector A Hero In The Iliad

Hector as the Iliad’s Hero

Throughout the Greek epic, the Iliad, many heroes rise and fall such as Ajax, while others make names for themselves, like Odysseus. However, no heros in the Iliad are more enigmatic and complex than the Achaean, Achilles, and the Trojan, Hector. At a glance, many would say that Achilles is the paramount hero of the Iliad, and ultimately Greek mythology. This; however, is not true, for the development of Hector throughout the epic solidifies his spot as the Iliad’s sole hero. This is done via, the bad and selfish attitudes of Achaean Achilles, the love people have for him, and ultimately how the poets humanize Hector throughout the epic.

Achilles’ selfish attitudes and need for divine ruling take center stage, as seen throughout the epic. To begin with, while feuding with

Most obviously is when Hector is seen fleeing from Achilles. “Just so, Achilles cleft the air, as Hector ran with flashing knees along the wall.” (Homer, Book 22, 171-173). Although many would consider this cowardly, it actually shows Hector as both a hero, but also still a human. When seeing Achilles in his new armor, Hector is rightly scared, but is shown to be human. Furthermore, a more prominent scene in the Iliad, depicting a humanized Hector is when Hector is home with Andromache and Astyanax. Here Andromache consoles Hector to be safe and try to stay out of the war. However, Hector tells her it is his duty, but stills loves both of them, “The child’s loving father laughed, his noble mother, too. Glorious Hector pulled the glittering helmet off and set it on the ground. Then he kissed his dear son and held him in his arms.” (Homer, Book Six, 579-582). This scene is particularly important, for it shows that Hector is ultimately just a man who wants to focus on his family, and not the war which had been raging for years and