Hector (Bonus Blog)

Bravery in the face of danger, willingness to sacrifice ones self for the good of others, and readiness to die for ones loved ones - this are the traits of a hero, this is what being heroic means.

Have you seen how Spiderman risks his life in saving his beloved Mary Jane. Have you watched the film Deep Impact, and how the Messiah sacrificed themselves in order to save the whole humanity from extinction. Lastly, have you watched how Gru selflessly rescued Margo, Edith and Agnes in the film Despicable Me. These three are some examples heroes, selflessly sacrificing themselves in order to save their loved ones or the world. But have you read about the deeds of the heroes of the greatest war novel, the Iliad.

When I was watching Troy, a film adaptation of the Iliad, with my family I asked my uncle who is the hero in the film. His answer is Achilles. But when I read the book, the story is indeed focused on how Achilles got his glory, but I was not convince that he is really a hero.

Firstly, heroes usually save people or rescue their loved ones but what Achilles did was avenge his friend and Vengeance is not something that a hero seeks. Secondly, Achilles didn't move until the moment that his people was about to die. Lastly, heroes wants to save lives and not to claim their glory.

If Achilles is not the hero of the Iliad, then who is the hero?

The true hero of the Iliad is Hector. Why? First, he fought to save his people, the Trojans. Second, he didn't really aim for glory instead he achieved it by saving his people, unlike Achilles who didn't really care for his people for he fled the battle because his pride was hurt. Lastly, even though he knew that he is no match to Achilles, he still fought the tyrant for he is the only hope.

To sum it all up, Hector is a hero because he fought the war to save his people and not to achieve his glory. He led his people with bravery. Lastly, he fought Achilles even though he knew that he will surely die.