MIGHTY “A”

Achilles, in Greek mythology, greatest of the Greek warriors in the Trojan War. Patroclus, Achilles’s friend and companion, was killed by the Trojan Prince Hector. Afterward the grief-stricken Achilles returned to battle, slew Hector, and dragged his body in triumph behind his chariot. Achilles gave it to Priam at his earnest entreaty. This part of the “The Iliad” is horrifying. I could not imagine the scene in true life. Who would do such a thing like that! Being a hero is not ending the life of one’s enemy. But rather, doing what is best for the sake of the people. He killed Hector because he wanted to avenge the death of Patroclus. If I were Patroclus, I would only pity Achilles for doing it. What is the use??? It will not take back Patroclus’s life. And because of that action of his, he died on Paris’s hands. I conclude that war or dangerous adventure is the hero's normal occupation. The appearance of heroes in literature marks a revolution in thought that occurred when poets and their audiences turned their attention away from immortal gods to mortal men, who suffer pain and death, but in defiance of this live gallantly and fully, and create, through their own efforts, a moment's glory that survives in the memory of their descendants. They are the first human beings in literature, and the novelty of their experiences has a perennial freshness.