Glossary

6.1 Achilles as the central hero: character analysis

2 min read•august 6, 2024

stands as the central hero of Homer's Iliad, embodying the heroic ideals of ancient Greek culture. His exceptional qualities, divine lineage, and pursuit of glory showcase the attributes valued in epic heroes.

Yet Achilles also grapples with fatal flaws like excessive pride and uncontrollable anger. His motivations for honor and lasting fame drive the narrative, revealing the complex nature of in the epic tradition.

Heroic Attributes

Exceptional Qualities and Abilities

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  • , a warrior's moment of excellence on the battlefield demonstrating their exceptional prowess and skill in combat
  • , the display of excellence in all areas of life (physical, mental, moral) striving to reach one's highest potential
  • Divine lineage often attributed to heroes tracing their ancestry back to gods or goddesses (Achilles son of Thetis)

Pursuit of Glory and Honor

  • , the pursuit of glory and renown achieved through great deeds and feats especially in battle
  • , the set of values and ideals that shape a hero's behavior including courage, loyalty, honor, and the willingness to fight and die for one's people

Fatal Flaws

Excessive Pride and Anger

  • , excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a hero's downfall when they overstep mortal limits or defy the gods
  • , the hero's rage and that consumes them driving them to extreme acts of violence or vengeance (Achilles' anger at Agamemnon)

Inescapable Weakness

  • , an inherent weakness or vulnerability in the hero's character that ultimately leads to their destruction despite their greatness (Achilles' heel)

Motivations and Rewards

Desire for Honor and Respect

  • , the honor and respect a hero seeks to gain from their peers and society at large through their deeds and status
  • Heroes are often motivated by the desire to prove their worth, gain recognition, and secure their place in the social hierarchy

Quest for Lasting Fame

  • , the belief that a hero can achieve a form of immortality by having their name and deeds remembered and celebrated for generations to come
  • The promise of undying glory is a powerful motivator for heroes to undertake great risks and sacrifices (Achilles choosing a short but glorious life over a long but obscure one)

Key Terms to Review (28)

Achilles: Achilles is a central figure in Greek mythology, renowned as a heroic warrior in the Trojan War, famously depicted in Homer's 'Iliad.' His character is marked by unparalleled strength, bravery, and a complex personality, embodying themes of glory and mortality.
Achilles and Agamemnon: Achilles and Agamemnon are two central figures in 'The Iliad,' representing contrasting aspects of heroism and authority. Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks, embodies individual glory and personal honor, while Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek forces, represents the struggles of leadership and the burdens of responsibility. Their conflict illustrates the tension between personal desires and collective needs within the context of war.
Achilles and Patroclus: Achilles and Patroclus are central figures in Homer's 'Iliad,' embodying themes of friendship, loyalty, and the tragic consequences of war. Achilles is depicted as the greatest warrior of the Greeks, while Patroclus is his close companion whose death catalyzes Achilles' return to battle, ultimately leading to a complex exploration of heroism and the impact of loss on personal identity.
Achilles as a model of heroism: Achilles, the central hero of Homer's 'Iliad,' embodies the qualities of a heroic figure through his exceptional strength, bravery, and complex emotional depth. His actions and choices reflect the ancient Greek ideals of honor, glory, and personal sacrifice, serving as a template for understanding heroism in epic poetry. This characterization not only highlights his martial prowess but also explores his vulnerabilities, creating a multi-dimensional representation of what it means to be a hero in the context of war and personal conflict.
Achilles vs. Aeneas: Achilles and Aeneas are two central figures in epic poetry, representing different ideals of heroism and moral complexity in their respective narratives. Achilles, from Homer's 'Iliad', embodies a fierce warrior ethos, driven by personal honor and rage, while Aeneas, from Virgil's 'Aeneid', represents duty and piety, often caught between personal desire and destiny. Their contrasting characteristics highlight themes of fate, free will, and the nature of heroism across the two epics.
Achilles vs. Hector: Achilles and Hector represent two contrasting heroic figures in the context of the Trojan War, showcasing the themes of honor, glory, and the tragic nature of heroism. Achilles, the Greek champion, embodies rage and personal honor, while Hector, the Trojan prince, symbolizes duty to family and city. Their clash highlights not only their individual values but also the broader implications of war on humanity.
Achilles' shield: Achilles' shield is a significant symbol in the Iliad, crafted by the god Hephaestus and described in detail in Book 18. The shield represents not just the hero's martial prowess but also the broader themes of life, war, and civilization, showcasing scenes of both peace and conflict. This duality connects deeply to the narrative structure of the Iliad, where moments of intense battle are often juxtaposed with depictions of everyday life, and it highlights Achilles' complexity as a character, embodying both the warrior ethos and a deeper understanding of human experience.
Aretê: Aretê refers to the concept of excellence or virtue in Greek culture, embodying the idea of fulfilling one's potential and achieving the highest moral standards. It is often associated with heroic qualities such as bravery, honor, and skill, particularly in the context of warfare and personal conduct. In epic poetry, aretê plays a crucial role in defining a hero's identity and the values they embody, influencing their choices and actions throughout their journey.
Aristeia: Aristeia refers to a moment of unparalleled excellence or glory in battle, where a hero performs extraordinary feats, showcasing their martial prowess and achieving significant victories. This concept is deeply tied to the values of honor and reputation in ancient Greek culture, where such moments define a hero's legacy and contribute to their kleos.
Characterization: Characterization is the process by which an author reveals the traits, motivations, and personalities of characters in a narrative. This can be done through direct statements, dialogue, actions, and the reactions of other characters. It helps readers understand not only who the characters are but also their development throughout the story and their significance within the broader context.
Epic simile: An epic simile is an extended comparison that typically relates a heroic or extraordinary event to everyday experiences or objects, often elaborating on details and using vivid imagery. This technique enhances the narrative by creating a more profound connection between the grand events of the epic and the audience's understanding.
Fate vs. Free Will: Fate vs. Free Will refers to the philosophical debate concerning whether our lives are predetermined by forces beyond our control or if we possess the autonomy to make our own choices. This tension is central to many epic narratives, influencing character decisions, plot developments, and moral dilemmas.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. It serves to build anticipation and tension, often enhancing the overall narrative by creating connections between events and characters as the plot unfolds.
Heroism: Heroism refers to the qualities and actions of a hero, characterized by bravery, self-sacrifice, and noble deeds in the face of adversity. In epic poetry, heroism is central to the narrative and often serves as a reflection of cultural values and ideals.
Honor and Glory: Honor and glory refer to the concepts of respect, reputation, and esteem that individuals seek to achieve, especially in heroic contexts. In epic poetry, these ideals drive characters to perform great deeds and face challenges, often leading to their immortality in the stories told about them. Characters are motivated by a desire to be remembered positively by their peers and future generations.
Hubris: Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading individuals to disregard divine authority or the natural order. In epic poetry, particularly in works like the Iliad, hubris is often portrayed as a tragic flaw that results in dire consequences for the character and those around them, reflecting themes of pride, downfall, and the limits of human power.
Immortality through fame: Immortality through fame refers to the idea that a person's legacy and achievements can grant them a form of eternal life by being remembered and celebrated long after their physical death. This concept is crucial in epic poetry, where heroes seek glory and recognition for their deeds, ensuring their names live on in stories and songs. In this context, it highlights the relationship between personal honor, heroic actions, and how they contribute to one's lasting impact on society.
In medias res: In medias res is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the midst of things,' and it refers to a narrative technique where a story begins in the middle of the action rather than at the beginning. This approach engages the audience right away, allowing for immediate immersion into the plot and characters, which is a characteristic feature of epic poetry and influences its structure and storytelling style.
Invulnerability: Invulnerability refers to the state of being immune to harm or damage, often seen in mythological or heroic contexts where characters possess extraordinary strength or resilience. In the analysis of central heroes, such as Achilles, invulnerability highlights their near-superhuman qualities, which contribute to their status as legendary figures and shape their narratives and conflicts.
Kleos: Kleos is a Greek term that translates to 'glory' or 'fame,' particularly the kind that is earned through heroic deeds and accomplishments. In ancient Greek culture, achieving kleos was often tied to one's reputation and the stories told about their exploits, reinforcing the idea that glory is intertwined with legacy and how one is remembered after death.
Menis: Menis is a Greek term often translated as 'wrath' or 'anger,' particularly in the context of the opening lines of the Iliad, where it specifically refers to the anger of Achilles. This concept embodies the deep emotional responses that heroes experience, especially when their honor is challenged, linking directly to themes of pride and personal grievance in the heroic code.
The armor of Achilles: The armor of Achilles is a significant symbol in 'The Iliad,' representing the hero's might, honor, and ultimate vulnerability. Crafted by Hephaestus, it showcases intricate designs that reflect Achilles' status as the greatest warrior in the Greek army, and its loss deeply impacts his character and the war’s outcome. This armor embodies both the physical strength that makes Achilles a central hero and the emotional turmoil stemming from his wrath.
The Death of Hector: The Death of Hector is a pivotal moment in Homer's 'Iliad' where Achilles kills Hector, the Trojan prince, marking a turning point in the Trojan War. This event highlights the themes of honor, vengeance, and the tragic consequences of war, emphasizing Achilles as the central hero whose personal rage and grief shape the narrative.
The wrath of Achilles: The wrath of Achilles refers to the intense anger and pride of the Greek hero Achilles, which is a central theme in Homer's Iliad. This wrath drives the plot, leading to catastrophic consequences for both the Greeks and Trojans as Achilles withdraws from battle and refuses to fight due to a personal slight by Agamemnon. The exploration of this emotional turmoil reveals deeper insights into Achilles' character, his relationships, and the impact of divine intervention on human affairs.
Timê: Timê is a Greek term that translates to 'honor' or 'value' and plays a central role in the heroic code of ancient Greek culture. It represents the respect and recognition a hero earns through their achievements, bravery, and deeds in battle. Timê is closely tied to concepts of glory and social status, deeply influencing a hero's identity and actions, especially in the context of honor and shame as well as the motivations and character development of key figures like Achilles.
Tragic flaw: A tragic flaw is a character trait or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. This concept is central to the understanding of how individual choices interact with larger forces like fate and divine will, often illuminating the human condition and cultural values. It serves as a key narrative device that showcases the inner struggles of heroes, making them relatable yet flawed, while also emphasizing how their actions resonate with broader themes of destiny and moral responsibility.
Warrior ethos: Warrior ethos refers to the set of values, beliefs, and attitudes that emphasize honor, courage, loyalty, and the readiness to fight for one's community or ideals. It is a guiding principle that shapes the identity and actions of warriors, encouraging them to display bravery in battle and uphold a code of conduct that prioritizes the collective over the individual.
Wrath: Wrath refers to intense anger, often manifesting in a desire for revenge or punishment. In epic poetry, particularly in works like the Iliad, wrath is a central theme that shapes characters and drives the plot. The emotional power of wrath leads to personal and collective consequences, influencing relationships and the course of events.
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