The Epic Saga of Achilles and Hector in the Trojan War

As the tale of the Trojan War unfolds, it begins with the abduction of Helen by Paris, prompting her husband Menelaus to seek assistance from the Greek forces to reclaim her. This call to arms brought about the prospect of war, prompting a mixed response among the Greek leaders, many of whom hesitated to put their lives and those of their soldiers at risk for this cause. Among these leaders was Odysseus, who played a crucial role in rallying support for the war, notably convincing the warrior Achilles to join.

Thetis, Achilles’ mother, was opposed to her son participating in the Trojan conflict. To protect him, she disguised him in feminine attire and hid him among the daughters of a friendly king. However, Odysseus uncovered this ruse. Disguised as a traveling merchant, he brought enticing gifts to the palace, including jewelry and weapons. While the other girls gravitated toward the adornments, Achilles demonstrated his true nature by testing the swords. Recognizing him, Odysseus declared, “Young man, your attire may suggest you are a girl, but your gaze reveals you are indeed Achilles. You must accompany me to Troy.”

After two years of gathering ships and men, the Greek forces were finally prepared and set sail for Troy. They soon arrived at the Trojan coast, and the war commenced, escalating into a prolonged and brutal conflict that extended for nearly a decade.

Tensions flared between Achilles and Agamemnon, the Greek leader and brother of Menelaus, over the division of spoils from battle. Agamemnon sought to claim the lion’s share, while Achilles argued he deserved recognition for his bravery, as he had fought valiantly. Frustrated by the dispute, Achilles announced his intent to withdraw from the conflict and return to Greece.

The gods’ involvement in this saga was profound; Hera and Athena supported the Greeks against Hector and the Trojans, whereas Aphrodite defended her favored, Paris. Ares endorsed Aphrodite’s side, while Poseidon stood with the Greeks, intensifying the chaos of the battlefield.

The fighting grew increasingly fierce, with Hector leading the Trojans to multiple victories, pushing the Greeks back toward their ships. In a pivotal moment, Ajax, a formidable Greek warrior, confronted Hector. Though Hector initially struck with a spear in vain, Ajax retaliated by hurling a massive stone at him, bringing him down. Zeus, not wanting Hector to be defeated so easily, dispatched Apollo for his recovery, and soon he was back in the thick of the fight.

The battle continued to swing against the Greeks, culminating in dire consequences: several commanders wounded, and many soldiers killed. As the Trojans approached the Greek ships once more, Patroclus, Achilles’ beloved friend, pleaded with Achilles to lend him his armor and men to turn the tide. Achilles consented but warned Patroclus against pursuing the enemies alone.

Mistaking Patroclus for Achilles, the Trojans retreated, allowing him to push forward until he encountered Hector. In their fierce duel, Patroclus fell to Hector, who subsequently donned Achilles’ armor as his prize.

Devastated by the news of Patroclus’ demise, Achilles vowed to avenge his friend. His mother, Thetis, reminded him he lacked armor, offering to procure a new set. She requested Hephaestus to forge a suit of armor, which was delivered to Achilles at dawn. With renewed strength, he entered the battle and forced the Trojans back to their city’s gates.

As Hector confronted Achilles, he initially fled but eventually turned to fight. Achilles defeated him with a powerful thrust of his spear, marking Hector’s end. In a display of rage and dishonor, Achilles stripped Hector’s body of armor and dragged it behind his chariot, provoking sorrow among the Trojans who witnessed the spectacle.

Achilles honored Patroclus with a grand funeral, while Hector’s body was left unburied on the battlefield. Priam, Hector’s father and king of Troy, managed to persuade Achilles to return Hector’s body in exchange for a chest filled with treasures, enabling Hector’s honorable burial and mourning rites within the city.

Questions Inspired by the Reading

Who is Odysseus?
Odysseus is a clever and resourceful Greek leader who played a significant role in rallying the troops for the Trojan War.
Who is Achilles?
Achilles is a famed Greek warrior known for his prowess in battle and his deep sense of honor and loyalty.
How does Odysseus find the disguised Achilles, and what is his disguise?
Odysseus discovers Achilles disguised as a girl among the daughters of a king by offering enticing gifts and observing Achilles’ inclination toward weapons.
Who are the Trojans?
The Trojans are the defenders of the city of Troy, led by Hector, who resist the Greek forces seeking to reclaim Helen.
Which gods also fought in the Trojan War, and whose side were they on?
Hera and Athena sided with the Greeks, while Aphrodite and Ares supported the Trojans.
Who is Ajax?
Ajax is a powerful Greek warrior known for his strength and bravery in battle.
Who is Hector?
Hector is the noble prince of Troy, revered as a brave defender of his city against the Greek forces.
How would you describe Achilles’ feeling about going to war?
Achilles initially displayed reluctance due to his mother’s wishes but ultimately felt a strong sense of honor and duty to engage in battle.
What happened that made Achilles very angry?
Achilles became enraged when Agamemnon claimed the spoils of war that belonged to him, leading to his withdrawal from combat.
How did Achilles seek revenge on Hector?
Achilles sought revenge by confronting and killing Hector in battle, then humiliating him by dragging his body behind his chariot.

Artistic Depictions and Comparisons

Which event from the story is depicted in Benjamin West’s painting from 1806?
Analyze the figures and actions portrayed to determine the specific moment captured.
Which moment is highlighted in John Flaxman’s illustrations from “The Story of the Iliad”?
Discuss the details to connect them with significant events in the narrative.

Cultural Reference

In popular culture, the name Ajax is linked with a well-known brand of soap, chosen for its connotations of strength and cleansing qualities, paralleling the hero’s attributes.