Loyalty In The Iliad

Loyalty, and the idea of a responsibility hierarchy between self, group, and population is a factor that should be identified and followed respectively when faced with a consequential scenario. This hierarchy: Self over group and group over population, is the order in which one should base any decision with consequential outcomes, and only in a position where these consequences are minimized, can the individual begin to aid those parties in relation to the presented hierarchy. Respectively, self is the loyalty to one’s own personal needs, whereas group is one’s responsibility to those similar to self (i.e. common interests or state), and lastly population is one’s loyalty to every human – even to those with conflicting interests. Through textual
At its core, nothing can be done effectively without providing an adequate situation of safety and slight comfort for one’s own self, and as a result it is placed the highest in the hierarchy. Exampled in The Iliad, the character of Achilles refuses to go into battle as a result of being wronged by Odysseus. Achilles refrains from conflict to preserve self (as fate has it he would die in battle) and affirms his loyalty to self after mistreatment from group. Not only does The Iliad provides interpretive examples of loyalty to self, but additionally identifies conflict between self and group where loyalty to self prevails. The given examples further develop the argument of self-loyalty being of highest importance and creates an aura of necessity of self-loyalty prior to anything else in decision making, needs of self, and ultimately
Group, being the collection of others with similar, specific interests and goals, is second in the loyalty hierarchy. After meeting the basic needs of self-loyalty and in situations without severe consequence, an individual may seek loyalty to group to garner, and give, additional support to individuals in similar circumstance. In The Torah, the prophet of Moses is chosen by God to lead his people out of Egypt. His group (the Jewish people), was under persecution and needed someone to liberate them. Moses, being in a situation where he was able to help his people (with relatively low risk and aid from an omnipotent being), led his people from the Egyptians. What’s crucial in analysis of the loyalty hierarchy in respect to The Torah is Moses’ self-loyalty, and being in a position where he was actually capable of helping his people without extreme risk (aid of a God typically puts one in a decent situation) he could effectively liberate his people. As a result, the importance of loyalty to self before acting upon loyalty to people is crucial in survival, and ultimately increases the chance of success of the levels of less importance (like group) in relation to