The Iliad
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Despite the fact, Achilles and Hektor are on opposite sides of war, they share many similar qualities as warriors, but they also have differences beyond measure and repair. Hektor and Achilles are main characters in The Iliad by Homer. Hektor is on the Trojans side while Achilles is on the Achaens, and at the end of the epic poem, chapter 22, Achilles and Hektor duel for the honor, respect, pride, and glory from their people, once and for all. These two epic characters live the complicated Greek life, of pleasing gods, their partners, and themselves. Their flaws lead Hektor to a brutal death and Achilles to probably the most victorious victories in Greek literature.
As mentioned before both Achilles and Hektor had many similarities, especially with their qualities as warriors. Both Achilles and Hektor were the best fighters in their army. Examples of the epithets that were commonly used to describe their warrior talents would be “swift-footed Achilles” or “Hektor, killer of men.” As warriors they also both knew their fate was to die in battle. Hektor’s wife begged him not to leave her before he went off to battle, because it was such common knowledge that he was going to die. They both also suffered from pride, glory and all things attached, although Achilles suffered at a bigger extent, which led to the demise of them both. The demise of them both happened partially because they both broke the warrior code, yet another similarity. Hektor did by taking Achilles’ armor, and Achilles did by dragging Hektor around once dead and making his family beg for his body. People also both looked up to them, and they were treated like gods. They both consisted of godly characteristics but both possessed human flaws.
Achilles and Hektor both had very different outlooks on respect for women. Hektor loved Andromache and their son. He considered them to be important. He showed this by considering Andromache’s feelings, and showing affection towards his son. Achilles on the other hand treated his partners like property. As an example he would not give Chryseis back because he thought she belonged to him and