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Changes in Achilles of the Iliad Within the scope of this research, we will elaborate on Achilles, a major hero of Homers Iliad. To be more specific, we will elaborate on the changes that Achilles goes through during the story. The changes are many; however there are some that are more important and significant to his character development. Those very changes will be discussed, and we will try to find explanation for those changes, as well as how they affected the course of the story at large. The Trojan War is vital to Greek mythology and provides a backdrop for discussion. Before the war even started, however, it was known by all Trojans and Achaeans that Achilles was the best fighter.
He was the hero of all fighters. In a way this was bad, and in a way this was good. Achilles was overflowing with pride, which built up his confidence. Consequently, it was his confidence that brought on his early death. It all began when Agamemnon stole away Briseis, Achilles woman. To ease the anger Achilles had for Agamemnon, Thetis asked Zeus to provide honor for her son, Achilles.
Zeus granted her request by promising that the Achaeans would suffer enough losses to force Agamemnon to come begging for Achilles help. The first major change in Achilles was caused by his rage toward Agamemnon. Achilles, the great warrior, allowed his wrath to infest his desire to help his own comrades in the battle against the Trojans. It was his determination to maintain his pride that led way to his unwavering stubbornness. Because Achilles withheld himself from battle, the Achaeans and Trojans suffered many losses. Of the Achaeans, many of the best men were injured or killed.
Odysseus, Diomedes, and Agamemnon were all three vital fighters for the Achaeans that nearly lost their lives in battle. They were not able to participate in battle for a number of days. The Trojans experienced similar casualties. Even though Achilles behavior was not centered on concern for his comrades, the Achaeans never lost respect for him.
They continued to honor him, knowing that he was far stronger than any other Achaean and that they needed his help. A main message portrayed during the continuous battle that took place during Achilles absence, was that some people are favored and some are not. Regardless of a Greek or Trojans reputation, the stronger fighter was always determined by the gods. For example, when the Trojans reached the Argive gates, Zeus gave Hector the power to lift a huge boulder.
With this boulder, Hector was able to break open and gain entrance. He then had access to the Argive ships. The intervention of the gods showed many parallels to human life during the time Achilles was out of battle, this being one of them. The intervention of the gods affected everyone, whether they were mortal or immortal, Trojan or Achaean. Other parallels included jealousy, pride, and anger.
All of these human traits that the gods reflected, were precisely why Achilles had withdrawn from battle. Jealousy, pride, and anger were all feelings Achilles possessed as a result of Agamemnon stealing Briseis. The second major change in Achilles took place when his friend Patroclus was killed by Hector. When Agamemnon sent his men with ransom to call Achilles back to battle, Achilles did not accept. The mere request by Agamemnon's messengers was not enough to lure him back. Achilles should have accepted Agamemnon's ransom and returned to fight.
Instead, he continued to wallow in his own pride and anger. This continued rage killed his best friend Patroclus because Achilles was not there to protect him. The personal affect that Patroclus death had on Achilles caused even more wrath than before. As a result, Achilles returned to battle for revenge. This late decision would have been classified by the Greeks as the second largest mistake possible. Achilles changed his mind, but he changed it too late.
Patroclus was dead. In the end, Achilles received his long sought glory by killing the Trojan responsible for Patroclus death. The killing of Hector by Achilles was a pivotal point in Achilles life of heroism. He moved from being a hero to that of a tragic hero.
That single moment of glory determined his fate to die an early death. The long period of time in which Achilles groveled in his own anger laid the foundation of his subsequent tragedy. During that time, his rage built up little by little until he exploded in anger at his ultimate victim. Achilles went from a hero, to an enraged hero (when Briseis was stolen), to an even more enraged hero (when Patroclus died), and finally to a tragic hero (when he killed Hector)...
The Trojan War reached its climax at Hectors demise. Therefore, the intensity of battle could only diminish. The magnitude of both Achilles and Hectors wrath was irrevocable, and both the Achaean and Trojan societies suffered great losses. However, the hearts of each were somewhat put at ease.
In the end, Achilles wrath was eased. After Paris came to take Hectors body away, Achilles realized that his taking of Hectors life was his final moment of glory. Since Achilles rage was over, the severity of the battle inevitably dwindled. Achilles was the Greeks' greatest warrior. He had his own armor and owned Myrmidons, or specially trained fighting men. He relied on his mother, Thetis, for help whenever he had a problem.
Achilles was also very happy with his life and did not want a change. His best friend was Patroclus, who was slain by Hector. He grieved for Patroclus and swore to get revenge on Hector. He thought of himself as such a great warrior; he felt that without him, the Greeks would lose the war. In the beginning of the story, Achilles was very dependent on his mother, Thetis.
He didn't know how to solve his own problems so he ran to Thetis for help. For example, when King Agamemnon steals Achilles' wife, Briseis, Achilles asks his mother to go to Zeus. She, in turn, asks Zeus to send a false dream to Agamemnon. By the end of the story, Achilles doesn't rely on anyone else for help and has learned to take responsibility. He has also become very conceited and vengeful. He kills Hector and, as promised, gets revenge by dragging Hector's dead body over Patroclus' burial mound.
Finally, he realizes he is wrong in doing this and returns Hector's body to King Priam. Here, he has changed again by realizing his mistakes and becoming more caring. This is one of the greatest changes Achilles makes in the story. He learns from his mistakes and becomes more caring and compassionate for others. He changes from being a selfish, cold-hearted warrior to a more caring and compassionate individual. When King Priam reminds him of his own father, he sees that he has been indifferent to other peoples affections.
He apologizes to King Priam and asks for forgiveness. After returning Hector's body to King Priam, he thinks about the mistakes he made and realizes that fighting and wars don't solve all problems. The once belligerent and vengeful warrior, Achilles, has turned into a caring and compassionate man. He also learns how to accept responsibility for his own actions and deal with unfortunate losses, like the death of a friend. In conclusion, Achilles can be described as a dynamic character.
He under- goes many changes in the story. One of which is that he becomes independent. Another is that he becomes more aware of other peoples feelings. He realizes his mistakes and regrets them. In the end, he gives up his pride and begins to act more compassionately towards others. Words Count: 1, 280.
Bibliography 1. Homer. Iliad, edited by Sullivan, P. New York: Harper Collins, 1996.
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