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Values of Homeric Heroes Essay

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Classical Literature and Mythology
Values of Homeric Heroes Achilles
One of the most classical Greek mythology stories is the famous “Iliad” by Homer which
portrays many well-known Homeric heroes that are still recognized today. Classical Mythology
evidently defines what a Homeric hero looks like and what qualities and values are included in
one. With this essay, the definition of a hero will be analyzed, discussed, and connected to an
example of a Homeric hero, which in this case will be Achilles. With his description, three
heroic deeds that Achilles exemplified will also be explained and shown how they go against the
heroic code that heroes were supposed to uphold. Achilles first did not exemplify loyalty to his
friends and family due to his individualist and selfish attitudes. He also violated the heroic code
by having a lack of respect and equality of others. Lastly, Achilles lowers himself enough to
consider partaking in cannibalism. All of these deeds go against the heroic code.
The heroic code ultimately stands for the hero’s dedication and loyalty to his friends,
family, and society. “The heroic code calls for high ideals – respect among equals, courtesy
toward corollary contempt for inferiors” (Harris and Platzner 347). It is seen in the story of the
Iliad that Achilles has heroic traits, but the question is whether or not his actions and deeds
followed the heroic code. Achilles is described as having a huge sense of individualism: Achilles
“recognizes no equals and adamantly refuses to cooperate with his fellow Greek soldiers” (Harris
and Platzner 23). This alone violates the heroic code when it comes to loyalty. Achilles did not
uphold the portion of the heroic code having to do with dedication, respect, and loyalty towards
family, friends, and society. This is seen in Homer’s writing as well when he states: “Prince
Akhilleus waited by his racing ships. He could not enter the assembly of emulous men, nor ever
go to war” (365).

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Achilles also violates the heroic code by failing to view others as equals. As a hero, this
is an important trait to have. He develops an individualistic mindset of himself and does not
consider others. Achilles violates something known as the “prime directive” or otherwise known
as having respect for the dead. By not showing respect, it created outrage among the gods who
had previously favored Achilles (Harris and Platzner 346). Achilles’ stubbornness and arrogance
leads to him to drag Hector’s dead body around without a proper burial which embarrasses the
gods. It states in the Iliad that Achilles lashes Hector’s corpse around in a very barbaric way.
By clamping Hector’s feet to the chariot, Achilles dragged his body around which gave a huge
respect towards Hector since Achilles was trying to purposefully degrade him (Homer 413).
Achilles does this even after Hector begs him to give his body to his parents for a proper burial:
“Let them have my body back, so that our men and women may accord me decency of fire when
I am dead” (Homer 413).
Another violation Achilles commits against the heroic code is he sets his ideals low when
he claims he wants to eat Hector’s body. This is known as cannibalism, something that is
incredibly chilling and disturbing in human nature. “Would god my passion drove me to
slaughter you and eat you raw; you’ve caused such agony to me!” (Homer 412). Achilles’ honor
and moral values are very low in this instance and thus his character goes against what a true
hero should have exemplified.
Achilles was a very strong and brave yet arrogant and stubborn hero who succumbed to
individualism and selfishness. While he did do heroic deeds that were justifiable by the gods, he
also committed many violations against the heroic code such as showing a lack of loyalty, failing
to recognize equality between all, and exemplifying poor morals and ideals. Classical Mythology

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1 Classical Literature and Mythology Values of Homeric Heroes – Achilles One of the most classical Greek mythology stories is the famous “Iliad” by Homer which portrays many well-known Homeric heroes that are still recognized today. Classical Mythology evidently defines what a Homeric hero looks like and what qualities and values are included in one. With this essay, the definition of a hero will be analyzed, discussed, and connected to an example of a Homeric hero, which in this case will be Achilles. With his description, three heroic deeds that Achilles exemplified will also be explained and shown how they go against the heroic code that heroes were supposed to uphold. Achilles first did not exemplify loyalty to his friends and family due to his individualist and selfish attitudes. He also violated the heroic code by having a lack of respect and equality of others. Lastly, Achilles lowers himself enough to consider partaking in cannibalism. All of these deeds go against the heroic code. The heroic code ultimately stands for the hero’s dedication and loyalty to his friends, family, and society. “The heroic code calls for high ideals – respect among equals, courtesy to ...
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