Is Hector A Hero In The Iliad

What is a hero? The meaning of being a hero is all about perspective. When asked about what they believe a hero is, one might say superman or batman etc, while others might say someone influential to them, like their parents or teachers. Typically what defines a hero was one who shows bravery, acts of humility and has the strength to overcome the most rigorous of tasks. Also a hero is one who is respected and appreciated by their peers. Over centuries many people have their own opinions about who is the central hero of the great The Iliad. The debate comes down to between Achilles and Hector, one deemed the greatest hero of The Iliad while the other is praised as the greatest warrior. While many people have acclaimed Achilles to be the most

All throughout the Iliad, Homer brings about the idea of “courage”. This was one of the main themes of the epic, which allowed heroes to emerge from the acts of the war. A hero is one who shows and has the courage of a great leader. Homer uses imagery to portray Hector’s acts of bravery throughout the Trojan War. In Book 3, Homer shows the readers how honorable and well respected by the other warriors Hector was. He shows this to us, when Hector was being shot at by arrows from the Achaean army, as he tried to step between the two armies while they are fighting, as he tried to hold his warriors back. The arrows were continuously shot until Agamemnon tell his army, “ "No more shooting,you men of Achaea! For it seem that bright-helmeted Hector has something to say  (Iliad 3,88-89). We can interpret from Agamemnon’s action that Hector is well respected and praised of high honor. Right after Hector gives the speech he was allowed, the fighting between the two armies comes to an end. Due to his amazing character, he was able to influence and bring together the men around

In Book 22, he shows us the bravery that Hector has and how he is willing to sacrifice himself for Troy. Although he still contemplates his option by stating, "if I take cover inside/That's what they'll say, I'll be much better off/facing Achilles ,either killing him/or dying honorable before my city  (Iliad 22.115-125). Hector comes to a realization that he has no choice but to stay outside of the Scaen gates and face Achilles if he wants to maintain his respect and honor. Throughout the entire poem of the Iliad, Homer shows us how Hector stands out as a hero as he fights for his honor, respect and Troy. Not only did Hector have courage but he did what any other hero would do: fight for what he believes