The Greek Army In Homer's The Iliad Of Homer

The novel “The Iliad of Homer,” by Homer, is centered around the Greek and Trojan armies and their epic battle started by one woman and prolonged by a need for pride. The story begins nearing the end of the ninth year of the battle, where many of the leaders and heroes are tired of the battle and are constantly in need of inspiration to keep themselves fighting. Although both armies are tired of the grueling war, neither army wants to end up going home after nine years at war without anything to show for it. One heroes that we are introduced to, Hektor of the Trojan army, is a valiant fighter, honored by many for his strength and bravery and is willing to die for his people. His wife, Andromache, tries to convince him to fight from the back of the army, but Hektor refuses. Hektor is an honest man that cares deeply about his people’s well being, and doesn’t need praise to make him content; if I were Andromache, I would persuade him to defend from within the walls rather than out on the front lines by reinforcing how important he is to his city, and if were to perish in the war, there wouldn’t be anyone left to take his place and be the hero of the city.

When Achilleus, the Greek army’s hero’s pride was hurt, he complained about it to his mother, Thetis, goddess of water, and said “Zeus of the loud thunder on Olympus should grant me honor at least,” (84). Achilleus only cares about getting praise for being a good fighter. By deciding not to fight until he is given honor, Achilleus becomes obsessed with being praised in order to fight.. In contrast to Achilleus, Hektor, as the Trojan army was rallying their defenses, volunteered to fight and defend his