Assess The Difference Between Glory And Power In The Iliad

The heroic values of ancient Greece were centered on timē and kleos, meaning honor and glory, respectively. These were ideals that every man desired, and only great men achieved. However, there is a difference between glory and power. In Homer’s epic poem the Iliad, King Agamemnon represents the type of man who believes power instantly equals eternal glory, while Achilles is the type of man who wants to earn his glory through battles and body counts. Both characters have a thirst for glory that often impedes their abilities to actually achieve glory; however, in the end it is Achilles who achieves eternal glory because he knows that the true sacrifice for glory is one’s life. The entire poem centers on the animosity between Achilles
Their inability to cooperate in warfare leads to the deaths of thousands of Greek men. Without Achilles, Agamemnon cannot win the war, and without the war Achilles cannot prove that he deserves eternal greatness. However, since these men fail to see themselves as equals, they put their pride before their honor because part of their “shame culture” says, “the individual is everything”. This may be a symptom of having power and receiving geras, but this power struggle stunts the accomplishments of both characters because neither achieves anything in this firm chokehold. Fortunately, though, Agamemnon realizes his idiocy in letting his rage get in the way and angering
He does not understand how or why Agamemnon earns his power or prizes through cowardice. Achilles kills hundreds of men in battle, while Agamemnon “hangs back,” yet Achilles is the one with his gera taken away from him. This act of disgrace cannot be undone with a magnitude of gifts from the king. Achilles is perturbed that his strength and talents are taken for granted by a man who has neither the intelligence nor bravery to face the walls of Troy like he does. This temporary refusal to fight shows that Achilles’ temper is one of the obstacles he must overcome in order to earn glory. Homer would not praise the name of the great warrior Achilles if he did not face some inner struggles before dying bravely in battle; therefore, this character flaw of extreme rage and stubbornness only adds to Achilles’ passion and further proves that he is worthy of his name being