The Influence of Achilles in Homers Iliad
The Influence of Achilles in Homer’s IliadAchilles: Prince of Phthia. Leader of the Myrmidon contingent. Son of Peleus and Thetis. He is the central character of the Iliad. He is by far the greatest warrior involved in the Trojan War. On the battlefield, he is unstoppable, able to rout whole armies single-handedly. Dealing with his rage is the central action of the epic; he sacrifices many of his allies to his pride, refusing to fight because of an insult to his honor. His movement from rage to grief and wrath and finally to recognition is the heart of the Iliad.
Throughout history, the story of Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, and its hero, Achilles, has remained a work of literature to be considered by many a true classic. This epic tells the story of the madness of Achilles and how it transforms him from an angry warrior to one who struggles to understand and cope with his grief over losing his best friend Patroclus. The Greek word menis, meaning madness, is used to describe the state of mind that Achilles enters following his feud with Agamemnon, and from this point forward it is possible to see that he is being ruled by this menis throughout much of the epic. Towards the end of the poem, Achilles finally comes to his senses after hearing of the death of Patroclus at the hand of the Trojan warrior Hector. However, he is unable to recover from the Patroclus’s death until Hector’s father, Priam, visits him. It is only at this point that Achilles realizes that he is not a complete being, although he is an accomplished and respected warrior. Priam’s visit forces Achilles to realize this, and by doing so Achilles becomes a more complete person.
In Book I, the quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon is the starting point of the menis of Achilles. The great warrior attempts to give Agamemnon advice, but he dismisses it as an attempt by Achilles to gain power over the Achaean troops. As punishment, Agamemnon reclaims Achilles’ war prize, the Trojan girl Brisêis of whom the great warrior has become very fond.
“-but now he gives me nothing, Atreus’s son Agamemnon, for all his far-flung kingdoms – the man disgraces me, seizes and keeps my prize, he tears her away himself!” (Book 1, Lines 419-422)
Achilles becomes so infuriated with Agamemnon’s arrogance and refusals to even consider his advice that he issues an oath to Agamemnon.
“Never again, I trust, will Achilles yield to you. And I tell you this - take it to heart, I warn you – my hands will never do battle for that girl, neither will you, King, nor any man alive. You Achaeans gave her, now you’ve snatched her back. But all the rest I possess beside my fast black ship – not one bit of it can you seize against my will, Atrides. Come, try it! So the...
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