Proud Achilles

1.    Analyze the character of Achilles as shown in Books 9-11. Are his decisions appropriate for a king like him? Why/ why not? What kind of warrior is he?

Achilles is the son of the Goddess Thetis and Peleus. He is a Greek Hero notable for his great contribution during the Trojan War.  He is considered the greatest warrior in Iliad. Achilles is not just a warrior, but is also the king of the Myrmidons. As stated in my previous blog, kings are the rulers of their kingdom and are responsible of uniting it and protecting it against anything that opposes their reign.

In chapter 9 of the Iliad, Nestor declares that the Trojans are already winning because King Agamemnon angers Achilles, causing Achilles to withdraw from battle. Nestor proposes that Agamemnon should appease Achilles for the greatest warrior to be back on their side. So Agamemnon sends Odysseus, Ajax, and Phoenix to convince Achilles. They relay the message of King Agamemnon that he never laid a hand on Breseis, and promise to give her back and many more gifts. Despite all of these, Achilles arrogantly refuses. Phoenix, who raised Achilles, tries to persuade him but Achilles, still, is not moved. Now the fate of the Achaians is obviously a doom.

Achilles was the Achaians’ last resort. With his might, he can easily break through the walls of Troy but because he had been offended by King Agamemnon, he never thought of considering King Agamemnon’s offer and forgiving him for the sake of his people. Achilles’ decision as a king was not appropriate for me, at least. He let pride overcome his decisions. His decisions were not based on what is for the Achaians, but for him. A lot of gifts were offered and yet he chose to deny it. He should have helped the Achaians even if greater reward didn’t await him.  As a king, you should choose what is better for your people. Achilles was a warrior who fights only for himself. He was a self-centered warrior and liked things to be always in his favor.