He was coming closer, like Enyalius the warrior god of battle with a shining helmet(22.173.223). These are some of the words Homer used to describe Achilles, the strongest Myrmidon fighter.
Brutality, slaughter, death and fear are some of the common words connected to Achilles as a warrior.
He was known to his enemies as a godlike who kills everyone in his way. Many were frightened with how he slays victims like they are animals. An example is what he did to his main enemy, Hector in “The Illiad”, Book 22 portrayed in these lines.
Achilles finished. Then on noble Hector’s corpse
he carried out a monstrous act. He cut through
the tendons behind both feet, from heel to ankle,
threaded them with ox-hide thongs, and then tied these
onto his chariot, leaving the head to drag behind.
he climbed up his chariot, brought on the splendid armour,
then lashed his horses. They sped off eagerly.(22.512-518.231)
Don’t whine with me, you dog, about my knees
or parents. I wish I had the heart and strength
to carve you up and eat you raw myself (22.447.449.230)
Like any other warrior, Achilles also desires for great glory and power. As godlike- half-mortal, half-god, he desires to be a full-blooded god who has the infinite of strength and free of weakness. In the chase of Apollo and Achilles in the chapter’s first part, the latter was very angry with the former because he couldn’t defeat him. This proves that he wishes for something ordinary people even a godlike couldn’t have.
You’ve robbed me out of glory, saving them
with ease, since you don’t have to be afraid
of future retribution. I’d make you pay
if only I am powerful enough. (22.26-29.220)
He also grabs the chance to have the glory he wants when he decided to fight the strongest Trojan warrior, Hector. And so, when they met and chased him, as said in these lines, he…
Godlike Achilles, with the shake of his head,
prevented his own troops from shooting Hector
with the lethal weapons, in case some other man
hit Hector, robbed him of glory (22.264-267.225)
He’s also a warrior who doesn’t agree on treaties and agreements. He believed that it was just for coward hearts. Instead, he favors battles to settle the score.
Hector, don’t talk to me of our agreements.
that’s idiotic, like a faithful promise
between men and lions (22.337-339.227)
In addition, he seeks for revenge for his companions especially his best friend Patroclus who was killed by Hector. This enraged Achilles’ anger as depicted by what he said.
Right now you’ll pay me back,
the full price of those sorrows I went through
when you slaughtered my companions.(22.351-353.227)
But why’s my fond heart discussing this?
by our ships lies a dead man- unwept,
unburied- Patroclus (22.500-502.231)
Achilles is a brutal and strong warrior because of his god-like abilities but still he desires for more power and glory. He also believes that death and battle are the only way to settle scores.
Ramirez, Veronica, E. English Across Continents. Makati City, Phils.
Diwa Learning Systems Inc. 2010 Print.
This is an excellent composition for it exhibits logical presentation of ideas and proper citation.
ReplyDelete