Achilles in The Illiad is not a Hero Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive

Achilles in The Illiad is not a Hero In the introduction of the Essential Illiad given by Sheila Murnaghan, Achilles is labeled as the superlative of the Greek heroes. In classic mythology a hero is a soulfulness of great strength and courage celebrated for bold exploits and is often the materialisation of a soul and a god. Achilles was the greatest fighter among the Greeks or Trojans and feared no man in battle. He was besides the offspring of a mortal and a god so by classic mythology definition, Achilles was indeed a hero. A hero is defined by the present day Websters vocabulary as one who inspires through manners and actions an individual who leads through individualised example and accomplishments requiring bravery, skill, determination, and other admirable qualities. Achilles, in no manner, fits this definition. By contemporary standards, he is instead a pathetic villain. Aside from being a kidnapper, rapist and murderer, Achilles proves to be emotionally weak, selfish, and malicious. Many times throughout the Illiad, Achilles is also referred to as godlike. The gods of Greek mythology were subject to the same emotions and character flaws as humans, and though privileged to some foresight, the gods had similar mental capacities as humans. What rattling set the gods apart were their powers (controlling the elements, changing their appearance, etc.), great strength, and immortality. Because of his great strength and spare invincibility, it is easy to see why Achilles would...