Homers The Iliad describes the ideal for Homeric hero to have certain attributes about

being a hero. The Homeric hero follows the basis of a heroic code of honor in the Iliad. The
hero achieves their honor through fighting for specific reasons. A heros behavior relies on the
foundation of this heroic code and their movements are spoken with other fighters; respectively.
Importantly, a hero accomplishes immortality status through story discussions of songs and
poems written by famous authors after a heros death. The heroic code is recognized; however,
countless fighters may not embrace these real values. Homers The Iliad demonstrates that the
heros life would be worthless without heroic code and having the possibility to become a
legend. Every hero strides for immorality because they desire it so much; therefore, they are
willing to sacrifice their life for it.
Homers characters have display many of these Homeric hero ideal traits. His characters
Achilles, Hector, and Agamemnon have shown varieties characteristics of heroic acts. For
example, Achilles, a protagonist, and champion character that hold many talents and
attractiveness such as rage to describe himself as a Homeric hero. Achilles embraces the heroic
code, a natural fighter, with a personality that is cruel, selfish, and angry young man. Achilles is
motivated by hatred, his skills are excellent than Hector and Agamemnon combined.
Homer himself writes, For I and Achilles fought together for a girls sake in words
violent encounter, and I was the first to be angry.(Iliad, 2.375-380) Homer is insisting that
heroes have fought each other for a prize in a challenge. That prize would earn the women as an
award. In Homers view, Father Zeus, if ever before in word or action I did you favor among the
immortals, now grant what I ask for. Now give honor to my son short-lived beyond all other
mortals. Since even now the lord of men Agamemnon dishonors him, who has taken away his
prize and keeps it. Zeus of the counsels, lord of Olympos, now do him honor. So long put

strength into the Trojans, until the Achaians give my son his rights, and his honor is increased
among them. (Iliad, 1.503-510) In making this comment, Homer argues that Achilles is not
allowed to escape his own fate; therefore, he cannot be a brave man or a coward. His fate was
determined by the day he was born to fight in the battlefield. Also, he loses his individual honor
and glory because Agamemnon chooses to takes Achilles prize possession called Briseis.
Achilles would feel that his life loses its meaning and feel rejected because his dignity has been
disgraced.
According to Homer Tall Hektor of the shining helm was leader of the Trojans, Priams
son; and with him far the best and the bravest fighting men were armed and eager to fight with
the spears edge. (Iliad, 2.816-818) Homer claims that hector, physical tall, wearing a shining
helm, a heroic figure to his Trojan soldiers, and trained warrior. He resembles Achilles that both
understanding the heroic code extremely. Hektor said Hear from me, Trojans and stronggreaved Achaians, the word of Alexandros, for whose sake this strife has arisen. He would have
all the rest of the Trojans and all the Achaians lay aside on the bountiful earth their splendid
armor while he himself in the middle and warlike Menelaos fight alone for the sake of Helen and
all her possessions. That one of who wins and is proved stronger, let him take the possessions
fairly and the woman, and lead her homeward while the rest of us cut our oaths of faith and
friendship. (Iliad, 3.86-94) In other words, Hector believes that both sides have greatly to gain
in a truce, such as a peace treaty. Hector suggests that both heroes should have a match against
each other to win the prize and demonstrate their true strength. A hero that loses the match shall
have shame towards his honor. Homer agrees when he writes that No man is going to hurl me
to Hades, unless it is fated, but as for fate, I think that no man yet has escaped it once it has taken

its first form, neither brave man nor coward. (Iliad, 6.487-489) Homers point means that no
heroes can escape their death or their fate, every hero will have to face death.
Come then, let us give each other glorious presents, so that any of the Achaians or Trojans may
say of us: These two fought each other in heart-consuming hate, then joined with each other in
close friendship, before they were parted. (Iliad, 7.299-302) Hector emphasizes that both
groups have lost a great deal of soldiers; however, he wanted a peaceful solution to avoid
shedding more blood on the battlefield. It shows that Hector has a loving and caring perspective
than Achilles.
Homer writes that Son of Atreus, most lordly and king of men, Agamemnon, let us talk
no more of these things, nor for a long time set aside the action which the god puts into our
hands now. Come then, let the heralds of the bronze-armored Achaians make proclamation to the
people and assemble them by the vessels, and let us together as we are go down the wide host of
the Achaians, to stir more quickly the fierce war god. (Iliad, 2.435-440) He acknowledges that
Agamemnon is a true natural leader able to lead the Achaians into warfare. He mentions that the
Achaians wears a bronze-armor to show its epithet; because, people can recognize the heroes by
the types of garments, weapons, and external traits.
Another example, Homer states all about the seashore and about the wide headland of
Helike, of their hundred ships the leader was powerful Agamemnon, Atreus son, with whom
followed far the best and bravest people; and among them he himself stood armored in shining,
bronze, glorying, conspicuous among the great fighters, since he was greatest among them all,
and led the most people. (Iliad, 2.575-580) Basically, Homer is saying that a character like
Agamemnon shows that he is respected by all his soldiers; which, all of them present him with

loyalty to their king. I believe that it illustrate him to have this attraction for his people;
therefore, Agamemnon has an army of ships in his control that represent skills in warfare.
Homer says that Tell me then, Muse, who of them all was the best and bravest of the men, and
the mens horses, who went with the sons of Atreus. (Iliad, 2.760-762) Agamemnon with the
strategic tactics recognized that he desires the toughest fighters to triumph the battlefield.
Hektor sent away to the citadel two herald slightly to bring down the lambs, and to summon
Priam; and powerful Agamemnon in turn sent Talthybios to go down to the hollow ships, with
orders to bring two lambs: he did not disobey the order of great Agamemnon. (Iliad, 3.115-120)
Homers point is that heroes usually have competitions with stakes; also, including the sacrifices
to unify peace towards both parties between the Trojans and Achaians.
The notion of modern heroism has different perspectives than heroism in early Iron Age
society. Modern heroism suggests that a hero endures many trials as challenges. Readers would
believe that heroes are positive role models in modern society without bad reputation. People
intend to interpret a hero as a savior to mankind. Homer believes that in early Iron Age, heroes
need to have different traits within themselves to be called a Homeric hero. These certain heroic
qualities that require a hero to be attractive, skilled in warfare, tall, and use both weapons like a
spear and sword. Homer describes that a warriors skills are important in a one on one battle. I
believe he would say that heroes through several talents are favorable by the gods. Because,
Homer knows that these talents are gifts from the gods themselves. Because, he agrees that not
all heroes supposed to have talent; but, the additional talent that they have, it becomes further
memorable in the future. Every heros personal honor was mention throughout the Iliad. It
shows that heroes hold honor very importantly through their cultures. The heroes have a
responsibility to their duty to fight, and the only option to obtain glory and immortality through

the heroic acts on the battlefield. They prepare their lives for battle and risk dying in the
battleground.