Achilleus Essay, Research Paper

Achilleus

Achilleus leader of the Achaians and son of Peleus a mortal king and

The sea-goddess Thetis is an important character of the Iliad. Achilleus is a

well-respected warrior; the Achaians needed Achilleus to help them fight the

Trojans. In book XXII Achilleus showed that he was heartless when he

killed Hektor. Achilleus also showed that he was sympathetic towards

elders by returning Hektors body when Priam begged for it. In Homers Iliad

Achilleus was portrayed as a well-respected warrior, heartless, and

sympathetic towards elders.

In book I of the Iliad Achilleus first shows that he is well respected

when he calls the Achaians to assembly, an idea from the goddess Hera who

had pity on the dying Achaians. Achilleus a leader even before his time of

greatness spoke up for his people against the son of Atreus saying “I believe

now that straggling backwards we must make our way home if we can even

escape death, if fighting now must crush the Achaians and the plague

likewise”. Agamemnon who claims himself as the far greatest of all the

Achaians shows fear to Achilleus by calling him a “good fighter though you

be, godlike “.

By defeating Agamemnon Achilleus proves to be the greatest Achaian

soldier and the most respected because he stood up to Agamemnon the

“wine sack, with a dogs eyes, and deer’s heart; the King who feeds on his

people”.

After the death of Patrokolos Achilleus returns to avenge his friends

death in book XXII.

In the Iliad Achilleus shows three sides of his personality a great

leader towards his people, a brutal killer, and a grieving soldier. There are

numerous quotes and statements that prove this to be true. Also Achilleus is

passionate and heartbroken towards the death of Patrokolos. In Homers

Iliad Achilleus portrays to be well-respected, heartless, and sympathetic

towards elders. The son of Peleus and Thetis proves to be all of these things

in many different books of the Iliad.