A WARRIOR WHO THEY THINK HAS EVERYTHING

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.

The Magic of a Woman's Word

“The light is so beautiful”
said the little firefly. His eyes glittered as he looked at the lamp’s flame. He was very amazed, he forgot what his mother told him, not to go near the shimmering flame or it would burn his wings. But he was hypnotized… he moved closer and the flame touched his wings. He was turned into ashes.

This story is entitled, “The Little Firefly”, a story associated with the effects of a child’s disobedience to his mother. Commonly it is narrated to those children who are closing their ears when their mother orders them to do things.

But before it became one of the most remembered plots in a Filipino household, it was first told by a mother who wanted to relate a lesson to his stubborn son. As he was showing dismay on reading books his mother gave him… his mother thought that telling this story is a solution to the problem

And as this kid grew up, bearing the words of the most important lady in his life, he turned out to be a remarkable person and a celebrated Filipino indeed… and now he was known as our national hero, named Jose Rizal

Like they say, that in behind every successful man is a great woman. And so looking back, we could see a person who would fit this saying well… Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonzo

Being a child born in a rich and influential family, Teodora Alonzo grew up loving the life of simplicity. She desired to study and live well and be a good daughter and woman in the eyes of her family and the people around her. She grew up differently to the materialistic woman of her time, she maintained being simple and a decent woman even she’s married.

She was also known as a person who looks at all races equally. She received her guests well even they are Spaniards or Filipinos and treated them like there’s no racial barrier.

Other than that, she was also a good mother to her sons and daughters. Encouraging the child to do things by himself is one of her principles. This may be the reason why her children grew up as people who can be considered as great Filipinos.

Her mindset and principles led to the development of the creative mind of a man who ignited the nationalism of the Filipinos. How she shows regard to her fellow Filipinos strengthen the characteristics and love of country of her offspring.

A Filipina with substance and a good point of view in life turned out to be one of the key to our independence.

TEODORA ALONZO