Achilles A Hero In The Iliad

A hero, illustrated through the majority of notable Greek works of literature, is established by a precise set of characteristics that separate them from the ordinary, and allow them to be remembered as exceptional champions. For instance, in the Odyssey, the ideal hero is exemplified by his extraordinary level of intelligence, and the ability to outwit his opponents. In comparison, the Homeric world of the Iliad portrays the true essence of a hero by the individual’s physical strength and brutal force alone in order to be successful in their endeavours. In this manner, Achilles’ phenomenals strength and speed, the most important examples of which occur in comparison to powerful creatures and the stars as well, prove that in the Homeric sense
None even come close in resemblance to his power. Towards the end of the epic is when his main power begins to shine through. Before, in relation to his strength, the main focus fell solely on his uncontrollable rage. However, as the conflict reaches the point of collision, Achilles’ true power is best understood through the passages in which Achilles faces Hector. Homer’s descriptions of Achilles becomes poetically constructed into detailed metaphors of his heroic strength as the two warriors face one another. One instance of this, shows Achilles in the pursuit of Hector as a “wild mountain hawk, the quickest thing on wings, / launching smoothly, swooping down on a cringing dove / and the dove flits out from under, the hawk screaming… his fury driving him down” (546). This connection to a ferocious and bloodthirsty mountain hawk further symbolizes his exceptional speed and power. Homer could have used any variation of creature emphasize these hero-like characteristics of Achilles, but this comparison allows the reader to understand exactly why he is remembered as one of the most powerful Greek
As Hector flees in fear, Achilles “went for him, fast, sure of his speed / as the wild mountain hawk, the quickest thing on wings, launching smoothly, swooping down on a cringing dove” (546). This metaphor in particular is captivating since it is the second occurrence in which Homer compares Achilles to a mountain hawk. The detail and precision of this mighty creature perfectly characterizes all the heroic traits that Achilles possesses: he is strikingly swift and powerful with every calculated maneuver, and the repetitive depiction further proves