Achilles

In the beginning of the readings we find that Achilles is seeking revenge for the killing of his friend Patroclus. Although it seems wrong of Achilles to kill Hector, his vengeance shows Achilles love and loyalty to Patroclus. Achilles feels that he will do whatever it takes to get the revenge he feels he deserves. He chases Hector until Athena tricks Hector and convinces him to face Achilles. Before fighting, Hector asks that Achilles will agree that depending on who wins he will not dishonor the other man’s corpse. Achilles refuses and once Hector is stabbed he speaks out pleading one last time that Achilles would give his body back to his parents. Achilles responds saying, “I wish my stomach would let me cut off your flesh in strips and eat it raw for what you’ve done to me. There is no one and no way to keep the dogs off your head…”. Achilles drags Hector’s body along the trails behind his chariot. Once Priam, Hector’s father, goes to beg for his son’s corpse, Achilles does change his mind (with the help of Zeus) and he releases Hector to his father so that he can have a proper burial.