The opening prologue of Homer’s famous Iliad speaks of the quick-tempered Akhilleus, about his inability to solve conflicts peaceably and the consequences he faces because of this. “Anger be now your song, immortal one,/Akhilleus’ anger, doomed and ruinous,/that caused the Akhaians loss on bitter loss [. . . .]” (Iliad, I:1-3). Throughout the epic, Akhilleus struggles with his own barbaric nature. He also struggles with Troy’s prince Hektor, his opposite in personality. Akhilleus is the embodiment of barbarism. He is intemperate, prone to violence, and arrogant. Hektor becomes Akhilleus’ fiercest enemy after he kills Akhilleus’ closest companion, Patróklos. Hektor is the civilized man in The Iliad. He has self control and he is considerate …show more content…
The ancient Greek gods have a humanized way of acting even though they are celestial beings. They are jealous, arrogant, and haughty. They do things for their own personal agendas, having no sympathy for the lives they put in danger. Hera offers the destruction of an entire city that is not even involved in the war, just so long as Zeus lets her side win. “Dearest to me are these three cities:/ Myekênê [. . .], Argos, [and] Sparta./ Let them be pulled down, if you ever find them/ hateful to you. I will not interfere” (IV:61-64). With Gods like these, it is not surprising that some people in the society that worships them are barbaric. However, many individuals attempt to guide these characters throughout the epic, trying to show them the importance of using words, not just actions. Odysseus tries to reason with Akhilleus to return to the army and take the higher road, quoting Akhilleus’ own father. “ ‘Break off insidious quarrels, young and old,/ the Argives will respect you for it more’ ” (IX:14-15). At the end of the epic, Akhilleus shows some character development by feeling grief and pity when Priam, King of Troy, comes to beg for Hektor’s slain body. “As you wish, sir, the body of your son is now set free./ He lies in state. At the first sight of Dawn/ you shall take charge of him yourself and see him” (XXIV:18-19). This is a pivotal moment for Akhilleus, …show more content…
War defines a person. With a good leader like Hektor, a stronger, enlightened civilized nation can emerge from destruction. With a tyrannical leader, Akhilleus, only more destruction and barbarism follows war. When he kills Hektor, his bitter rival, Akhilleus falls into madness. “The man has lost all mercy;/ he has no shame, that gift that hinders mortals/ but helps them, too” (XXIV:51-53). The moral of this story is that brutality and barbarism can only lead to more violence if the barbaric people themselves do not want to change. A civilized society must be