Examples Of Patriotism In The Iliad

Arête can be viewed as a captivating quality that can light a fire of patriotism under the hearts of many, while hubris can destroy the reputation of a person and destroy the determination of a rising power. As seen in the Iliad, arête is the main social value of Greek life and is the first spark of patriotism for a civilization that is only beginning. In the Iliad, the rage of Achilles is a perfect example of hubris in early Greek civilization. When Achilles says, “I will not return until Trojans set fire to the ships” (Homer 9.667-78), Achilles is making an attempt to take what he has not yet earned. His aristos has gone to his head and he is no longer thinking of the excellence he might be earning in battle, but the power he could gain over another person or group.
The social elite were classified as warriors with birth, conduct, and wealth on their side. Not only did aristos have a matter in the community, but so did the arête gained in battle. The receiving order of new armor and weaponry and the constant strives for excellence and power throughout the bronze, dark, and archaic ages helped to create an even larger aspect of social status in the early communities. Warfare weaponry in the bronze, dark, and archaic ages were symbols of power, like a general’s stars in the army may represent his rank. The forms of armor and weaponry were ways for these soldiers to gain respect, and show the respect they deserved. Overall, this fire beneath them causes the great beginning of a civilization of power. The need for greatness created a pushing force for the Greeks to take what they believed they had earned and never take “no” for an answer. This helped the Greeks to become a force against their enemies and a cause of modernization in not only warfare, but world