Homer’s The Iliad In Homer’s The Iliad, throughout the epic it is prominent that excessive pride and the constant search for fame and glory is the key to the downfall of Man; thus being the theme of the story. Discernably throughout the book, the infatuation of ego and arrogance blinds the reader. Agamemnon, King of Mycenae; Hector, King of the Trojans. Achilleus, most notably known as best of men, god-like, leader of the Myrmidons, and most greatest, his ego and confidence infatuated him. He was born with great power and strength, his father a king, his mother a goddess. Later, his pride blinds him as all that was beloved by him was taken away. This theme is evident in the epic when it is written, “Agamemnon had not respected Apollo’s priest, …show more content…
It’s the Greeks – they are in terrible distress,’ to which Achilles dismisses, focused on himself rather than his own people... ‘You, Achilles, you are horrible. You and your disastrous greatness, what will the future generations thank you for? But if deterred from some prophecy, some word of Zeus, may it be compelled to you that perhaps I might bring salvation to the Greeks. Give me your armour to fight in’... the armor that once had protected the great head of Achilles had now been prophesied by Zeus, son of Cronus, to yield a new owner, since he (Patroclus) was soon to perish. The shield with its strap fell from his shoulder to the ground as Hector’s mighty spear pierced his breast” (275/389). Patroclus, Achilleus’ best companion, exclaims to thee that the war resumes against their favor and that he must join the people in their war in hopes that they may win (rather to the repetitive brutality that they’re experiencing). Achilleus rejects the plea for help, allowing affable Patroclus to aid in fending off the Romans. In the eventuality of his death, Achilleus is left to suffer in grief, regret, and most importantly rage, to which blinds