In Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, the Achaeans and Trojans abide by a deadly hero culture that compels them to fight for honour and glory, usually to their deaths. However, in this pursuit, the Achaean and Trojan warriors contrast greatly in their actions to achieve eternal glory. While the Trojans preserve their sense of civility and morality in the brutal setting of the Trojan War, the Achaeans resort to cruel acts of violence that demonstrate their lack of humanity. Using Homeric similes, this paper will examine the Achaeans’ loss of humanity though their animalistic inclinations and destructive presence on the battlefield — both ideas that conflict with the civilized mannerisms exuded by the Trojans. Throughout the Iliad, Homer equates the Achaeans’ desire for bloodshed to an animalistic urge, effectively dehumanizing them in comparison to their opponents, the Trojans. In Book 5, Diomedes’ “mauls [Trojans] thick-and-fast, pilling corpse on corpse” (Homer 5.157) like a “lion” (5.151). This comparison emphasizes Diomedes’ insatiable appetite for destruction and consequently, the corruption of his human qualities. These animalistic actions demean the fundamental values, like compassion and sympathy, that are prized and upheld in civilized groups. At this point in the war, Diomedes no longer resemble a civilized man, but “a tawny lion” (11.644) “crav[ing] meat” (11.644).
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Where Homer likens the Achaean warriors to savage beasts, the Trojans retain their qualities and morals that make them human. In Book 15, the actions of Hector are not compared to a violent beast, but to a “flashing eagle” (15.801) — a symbol often associated with Zeus — that spurs the Trojans into battle. Unlike Diomedes, Hector is not possessed by an animalistic urge for bloodshed, but guided by the divine hand of Zeus to rally against the Achaeans. This comparison emphasizes Hector’s inborn abilities to change the tide of battle, thereby alluding to the similarities between him and Zeus as they are both leaders of the Trojans and Gods, respectively. In contrast to Hector, the Achaeans’ barbaric slaughter of the Trojans demonstrates their sacrificed humanity, and a regression to animalistic behaviour, in pursuit of eternal glory and renown upon the battlefield — something …show more content…
Heroic figures like Agamemnon and Menelaus are not known for their leadership qualities like Hector, but instead for their fiery tempers and warmongering ways. In Book 11, Agamemnon’s presence on the battlefield is “like [a] devouring fire roaring down onto dry dead timber” (11.179) consuming the Trojans. This comparison likens Agamemnon to a force of nature that will consume all living things, unless smothered by external forces like water or, in the case of Agamemnon, Zeus’s intervention. Conversely, Hector is not depicted as a destructive force, but instead as the only hope for Troy to survive the brutality of the Achaeans. Unlike fiery Agamemnon, Hector’s presence on the battlefield is “like a shepherd” (12.451) that inspires the Trojan warriors in battle. This comparison is interesting because of the vital role a shepherd performs in a pastoral setting. Similar to a shepherd, Hector is responsible for leading the men into battle and protecting the people of Troy from the murderous Achaeans. This role symbolically depicts Hector as the divine protector of Troy. Therefore, Hector’s presence is not destructive like a forest fire, but is again comparable the gods of Mount Olympus that offer protection to those they favour. Agamemnon’s destructive presence is an indication of his lack of humanity and
Where Homer likens the Achaean warriors to savage beasts, the Trojans retain their qualities and morals that make them human. In Book 15, the actions of Hector are not compared to a violent beast, but to a “flashing eagle” (15.801) — a symbol often associated with Zeus — that spurs the Trojans into battle. Unlike Diomedes, Hector is not possessed by an animalistic urge for bloodshed, but guided by the divine hand of Zeus to rally against the Achaeans. This comparison emphasizes Hector’s inborn abilities to change the tide of battle, thereby alluding to the similarities between him and Zeus as they are both leaders of the Trojans and Gods, respectively. In contrast to Hector, the Achaeans’ barbaric slaughter of the Trojans demonstrates their sacrificed humanity, and a regression to animalistic behaviour, in pursuit of eternal glory and renown upon the battlefield — something …show more content…
Heroic figures like Agamemnon and Menelaus are not known for their leadership qualities like Hector, but instead for their fiery tempers and warmongering ways. In Book 11, Agamemnon’s presence on the battlefield is “like [a] devouring fire roaring down onto dry dead timber” (11.179) consuming the Trojans. This comparison likens Agamemnon to a force of nature that will consume all living things, unless smothered by external forces like water or, in the case of Agamemnon, Zeus’s intervention. Conversely, Hector is not depicted as a destructive force, but instead as the only hope for Troy to survive the brutality of the Achaeans. Unlike fiery Agamemnon, Hector’s presence on the battlefield is “like a shepherd” (12.451) that inspires the Trojan warriors in battle. This comparison is interesting because of the vital role a shepherd performs in a pastoral setting. Similar to a shepherd, Hector is responsible for leading the men into battle and protecting the people of Troy from the murderous Achaeans. This role symbolically depicts Hector as the divine protector of Troy. Therefore, Hector’s presence is not destructive like a forest fire, but is again comparable the gods of Mount Olympus that offer protection to those they favour. Agamemnon’s destructive presence is an indication of his lack of humanity and