Hector is More Admirable than Achilles

Why Hector Stands Out in Greek Mythology

In the vast world of Greek myths, there are tons of heroes who’ve made their mark. But if you ask me, two names really pop out: Hector and Achilles. These guys are famous for being super brave and strong. But if we dig a bit deeper into who they are, it seems like Hector, the prince from Troy, is more praiseworthy than Achilles, the almost-invincible warrior from Greece. Sure, Achilles is known for being unbeatable in battle, but it’s Hector's honesty, kindness, and sense of responsibility that make him the real hero in the Trojan War.

The Integrity of Hector

First off, let's talk about Hector's integrity. It's pretty clear he’s got it all together. Unlike Achilles, who's often driven by personal grudges and wants, Hector does what he does out of honor and duty to his people. He fights not for himself or to get famous but because he wants to protect Troy, the city he loves so much. You can see his dedication when he faces enemies head-on—even when he knows he might not make it out alive. He sticks to his beliefs and values throughout the war without wavering.

Hector’s Compassion Shines Through

Then there's Hector’s compassion—it really sets him apart from Achilles. While Achilles has this reputation for being ruthless and kinda heartless at times, Hector shows he cares about others—even those he's fighting against. Remember that scene in Book 6 of Homer's Iliad? Hector meets up with his wife Andromache and their baby boy Astyanax. It's a touching moment where you see how much he loves his family and understands the heavy cost of war. He's caught between defending Troy and wanting to keep his loved ones safe. This part shows us just how human Hector is—and how he's able to feel for others even amid chaos.

A Sense of Duty That Never Wavers

Another thing—Hector's sense of duty is rock-solid and makes him truly admirable. It’s not about him getting glory or racking up achievements; it's all about taking care of his people and his city. He knows he's fighting for something bigger than himself—for Troy's future. This drives him to make sacrifices and lead with courage and confidence. Unlike Achilles—who bails on battles when his pride takes a hit—Hector stays true to his cause no matter how tough things get.

Comparing Attitudes Toward Comrades

If we compare how they treat their comrades, it’s like night and day! Achilles can be arrogant and looks down on other soldiers sometimes while Hector earns respect and love from those around him. He’s someone who brings out loyalty in others. In Book 15 of the Iliad, there’s this speech where Hector fires up his troops to protect their city—not because he wants personal glory but because he genuinely cares about them doing okay too.

Conclusion: Celebrating Hector's Virtues

So yeah, both these guys have extraordinary qualities—but let’s face it—Hector's integrity? His empathy? His commitment? They're on another level entirely! He doesn’t fight due to personal vendettas but rather because he wants what’s best for everyone around him—including Troy itself—and leads with an inspiring kind of leadership unlike any other character out there today or back then either way honestly speaking...makes us think huh?

References

• Homer (1961). The Iliad. Translated by Robert Fagles.
• Miller, M. (2011). The Song of Achilles. Ecco Press.
• Schein, S.L., (1984). "The Mortal Hero: An Introduction to Homer's Iliad". University of California Press.
• Kirkwood G.M., (1995). "Epic Hero and Epic Fable". Cornell University Press.