Book VI - X of Illiad

Create an insightful Character Analysis for ACHILLES as illustrated in books 7-12.

• What kind of warrior was he, especially in Book 9?
• Are his decisions appropriate for a king like him? Why? Why not?

“Hard-hearted man! He does not think of his friends’ affection and how we honored him first and foremost. Cruel man!”.

Those were the words that came out of Aias when Achilles was not moved by their pleas to help the Achaians.

In spite of the tremendous riches and holdings offered by King Agamemnon, Achilles chose to omit the king’s request to give in. It was firm that not all material wealth could persuade Achilles to return to battle.

Achilles’ heart still swells with anger. He believed that Agamemnon wanted to deceive him again. Achilles wanted Agamemnon to suffer just like what he felt when the King tormented his heart by insulting him and taking away Briseis from him.

Phoinix came to Achilles as a father and tried to get him to free his anger. He told the story about Meleager so as to open Achilles’ eyes and heart, but these just fell into Achilles’ deaf ears.

Achilles is a young man with might, courage and skill in battle. However, in book IX, he was perceived as prideful, jealous, stubborn, and immature person. He was considered as the mightiest warrior by the Achaian but his actions made him appeared less of a king. His wrath blinded him of putting aside his concern and love for his people. He did not seam to care at all for his friends and the army battling with the Trojans.

His character as a strong undefeated warrior as far from what he was in book IX when he demonstrated his cowardness by advising Phoinix, Aias, Odysseus, and the rest of the Greeks to sail away from home for they will never win the battle against Hector and the Trojans.

Overall, book IX exposed Achilles weak side….rebellious, immature, arrogant, and overwhelming pride.

Iliad - Books 1-5

Hera’s attitude is a perfect example of “impartiality/fairness/equality in battle.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Cite examples from books 1-5 of the Iliad that prove your stand.

I disagree with this statement. Though Hera disliked war and violence, this was only true and applicable to the Achaians whom she favored over the Trojans.

Even Thetis, the mother of Achilles, was not spared from this impartiality when Hera tried to persuade Zeus to ignore Thetis’ request to help her avenge Achilles humiliation from the hands of King Agamemnon. Zeus who has a strong bond with Thetis did not did not listen to Hera. Zeus granted Thetis’ request.




Zeus told Hera that Menelaos won the duel over Paris. Helen will be brought back to Menelaos and the Archaians will leave Troy unharmed and in peace. Zeus further added that the two cities will have a harmonious relationship. Zeus informed Hera that Aphrodite also helped and saved Paris from being killed by Menelaos during their duel. Hera did not like what she heard from Zeus. She was furious. Since she is supporting the Achaians, she disliked a peaceful and friendly end to the conflict between Trojans and Archaians.
Together with Athena, they plotted trouble for
Troy.

Hera’s actions are clearly seen as vicious. She wants to see the city of Troy completely destroyed and she doesn’t care if a lot of innocent people die.

Hera’s inequality in battle was demonstrated when she and Athena intervened. When they saw that the Trojans are winning the battle over the Achaians, they staged an attack to Troy by helping Diomedes stop the raging Ares. Athena harmed Ares who went back to Olympus. Hera left the battle field contented when she saw that the fighting continues to fume between the Archaians and the Trojans.

Though Hera was described as loving, solemn, and majestic goddess, I believed that the accounts that were narrated in books 1-V displayed her vengeful and destructive nature.

Additional Comments:

The Apple of Discord

This lead to Hera's vengance. Paris gave the apple to Aphrodite. Paris act enraged Hera and Athena.