| 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.
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