Achilles: The True Hero of The Iliad

The Homer's Iliad is a timeless epic that tells the story of Achilles, a warrior renowned for his invincibility and wrath. Often misconceived solely as a tale of the Trojan War, this ancient Greek poem is a profound exploration of the evolution of a hero. Through his journey, Achilles transforms from a classic Greek hero focused on personal glory to a modern hero willing to sacrifice everything for those who mistreated him. This essay delves into the transformation of Achilles and the significance of his actions, marking him as the true hero of The Iliad.

The Power of Menis

The opening words of the Iliad, 'menis,' emphasize the concept of wrath or vengeance. Achilles is uniquely characterized as having menis, the vengeful anger that drives him throughout the story. To understand Achilles, one must first comprehend the source of his wrath.

Achilles' first wrong is one of birth. Myths tell us that Thetis, Achilles' mother, is a sea nymph who had a prophecy that her offspring would be greater than her father, Zeus. As a result, Zeus himself did not couple with her, instead marrying her to a mortal man, Peleus, who was considered inferior to Zeus. This act is interpreted as a form of 'cheating' by Zeus, denying Achilles the divine greatness foreshadowed in his birthright.

Achilles vs. Agamemnon

The central conflict of The Iliad is not about the Trojan War or Hector, but rather about the personal rivalry between Achilles and Agamemnon. This conflict is rooted in the Greek social hierarchy and the assertion of power. Agamemnon, as a king by birth, tries to assert his authority over Achilles, who is a king by ability. When Agamemnon takes Achilles' prize, it is a direct insult against Achilles' pride and power, setting the stage for the narrative's profound exploration of heroism.

The Shift in Achilles' Character

The turning point in Achilles' character comes when his close friend, Patroclus, is killed by Hector. Filled with sorrow and rage, Achilles enters the battlefield again to avenge Patroclus, turning the tide of the war in the Greeks' favor. However, the true transformation is not reflected in his combat prowess but in his willingness to sacrifice everything.

During the funeral games for Patroclus, Achilles learns a crucial lesson about political power dynamics. Despite his immense strength and ability, he chooses to yield to the political whims of others, recognizing that fighting City Hall can be dangerous. This is further emphasized when he gives Agamemnon the javelin prize, realizing that accepting defeat for the greater good is necessary.

The Climax and Resolution

The climax of The Iliad occurs when Priam, King of Troy, visits Achilles to reclaim the body of Hector. In a moment of profound humanity, Priam's words bring Achilles to a realization: his father, Peleus, would feel pride if he returned home. Despite his impending death, Achilles chooses to give in to Priam's request, thus completing his transformation. This act of compassion and sacrifice solidifies his character as the true hero of the story.

Achilles: The Ultimate Hero

Achilles' journey in The Iliad culminates in his recognition that true greatness lies not in seeking glory but in serving others. His fallibility and eventual death highlight the human cost of his heroism. While other heroes like Heracles consistently seek personal glory, Achilles chooses to be a protector and a symbol of compassion and sacrifice. This makes him a uniquely profound figure in ancient literature.

By viewing The Iliad as a simple tale of the Trojan War, one misses the profound psychological narrative that it truly is. The epic poem is a deep exploration of the emergence of a great hero, driven by themes of wrath, power, and ultimate sacrifice. Achilles is not just a warrior; he is the hero who transforms from a vengeful figure to one who accepts his destiny and chooses to serve others.