Akhilleaus's Pride

Akhilleus's Pride

The Iliad is a classic story of a Greek warrior, named Akhilleus, whose anger causes many soldiers to die during the Trojan War. When Akhilleus becomes angry, there seems to be nothing that can stop him from totally destroying his enemy. While many consider anger to be the primary factor in motivating Akhilleus, the main reason Akhilleus acts the way he does is because he is extremely self-centered.

Initially, Akhilleus lets his pride control him when King Agamemnon takes his prize possession, Briseis, away from him. Akhilleus begins to sulk and declares he will take his army and go home. Feeling dishonored, Akhilleus goes to his mother, Thetis, and requests her to go to Zeus and petition his assistance in dealing with Agamemnon. Akhilleus states to his mother, "If he will take the Trojan side and roll the Akhaians back to the water's edge, back on the ships with slaughter! All the troops may savior what their king has won for them, and he may know his madness, what he lost when he dishonored me, peerless among Akhaians (1, pp 25)." The actions Akhilleus takes to get back at Agamemnon shows Akhilleus is only thinking of his own self-interest. His actions not only hurt Agamemnon but also put the lives of many of his fellow soldiers in danger.

Akhilleus continues to let his ego control his actions even after his best friend Patroklos urges him to forget his hurt and rejoin the fight against the advancing Trojan forces. After Akhilleus refuses this request, Patroklos offers to put on Akhilleus' armor to reenergize the Akhaian forces and hopefully trick the Trojans into believing that Akhilleus has reentered the fight. Akhilleus agrees to let Patroklos wear his armor and pretend to be him. Akhilleus proves he really is only thinking of himself when he tells Patroklos before he goes to fight on his behalf, "you'll win great honor for me, and glory among Danaans; then they'll send me back my lovely girl, with bright new gifts as well (xvi, pg 380)."

After Patroklos is killed by the Trojan leader, Hektor, Akhilleus transfers his attention from Agamemnon to Hector and returns to the battle to avenge his friend's death. Akhilleus tracks down Hektor and mortally wounds him. As Hektor lies dying he pleads to Akhilleus to not let the dogs feed on his dead body. Instead of honoring a dying man's request, Akhilleus arrogantly