A hero or an epic hero

Epic Heroism: The Iliad

Christopher Groomes Professor Erickson LITR201 17 December 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hero or an epic hero is the main character in a poem created by the poet and whose legendary and heroic actions are central to his culture, race and nation. Mostly the epic hero, is the main protagonist in the poem in the settings of literacy work. These characters are developed by the writer as heroes through unique writing style combining use of tone, diction, detail and other techniques used for writing narratives to build the personality of the hero.

Homer in “The Iliad”, develops two classical heroes. At first glance, the two heroes are distinctly different but on closer look they are similar in features. The two characters are Hector and Achilles. These two epic heroes are courageous soldiers, respected in the community, and honorable men. Although they have all these good characteristics, they both have human failings that eventually led to tragedy. Homer portrays the human flaws of the two heroes; Hector and Achilles that brings down the powerful Hector from the tower of fame and ambition to the base of humiliation.

These two heroes have distinct characteristics that identify them from the rest of the community. Both are strong and brave. The writer even paints them as may even have a god like qualities. Homer puts an emphasis on this by deliberately and repetitively using adjectives before their names to praise them. Though both portray similar traits, there arises small differences in their way of doing things. While Achilles is depicted as godlike and swift, Hector is portrayed as dazzling, dignified and bright. Homer uses phrases like “……noble bright-helmeted Hector…” (Homer, p398).

The two heroes are generally respected and honorable men by the people surrounding them. Achilles and Hector are both strong and fearless soldiers. These characteristics make them be highly looked upon and depended on by the people of Trojan and the Achaeans. People pay a lot of attention when either of them speaks. In their speech, Homer, sets off the following words “He spoke…” (Homer, p149). This has been used to depict a sense of power and authority the two heroes exert when they speak.

Hector is also much respected within the society, Trojans and as well as in Greek. When the two armies are in conflict and are ready to fight against one another, Hector bravely steps out and holds the Trojan line. No sooner had the Achaeans attacked him with stones and arrows than Agamemnon shouted, “No more shooting you men of Achaea! For it seems the bright-helmeted Hector has something to say” (Hector p88-89). Because of his speech, the two rivalling armies sit quietly in the field.

Epic heroes as displayed in this Homer’s masterpiece, can be god like, but they are also full of human flaws since they are human. While Achilles is powerful, respected and brave, he is also vengeful, merciless and disrespectful to Hector’s corpse. On the other hand, Hector, though strong and noble, he can at times be coy and disastrously proud. Hector’s setbacks and pride lead to his demise. When he comes to the realization of his mistakes, he is too proud to face them and deliberately decides to stay outside the city to face Achilles.

Homer give his characters real life experience. Although they possess some supernatural power, they are humanly such that they make flaws like other human beings do often. As much as they are brave, courageous and godlike, they face their own flaws that affect their heroism lives.

 

 

Work cited:

Homer. (1866). The First Book of the Iliad of Home. New York: Hatchard and Company.