In the Iliad, a hierarchical structure is used showing that heroes, superior men who are descendants of gods as well as of mortals, at the top. Homer states heroes are born into positions of eminence, which they also endorse by their public actions and especially by courageous performance in combat. Their high status is expressed in social gestures (which how they are addressed by other gods or mortals), special privileges (where they sit at a feast), in their share of the tangible goods of the group (including such things as wine, women, meat, cattle, gold, etc.), and in the intangible goods of reputation or recognition (Homer xiii). The heroes eat together, participate in councils together, enter battle together, and express the honor that they are continually granting and receiving. Self-sacrifice and compassion are used by these heroes when putting oneself in a situation against one‘s will, for the good of their countrymen. With all these aspects in mind, Achilles shows characteristics of being ambiguous between being a hero and not. Even though Achilles was a God, he was not shown to have high status or respect due to the fact that Agamemnon took Brisies away, when something did no

Some topics in this essay:
Troy Achilles, Patroclus Achilles, Hector Trojans, Heroism Iliad, Brisies Self-sacrifice, Styx River, Phoenix Ajax, Achilles Agamemnon, Nevertheless Achilles, Agamemnon Achilles, fighting battle, public actions especially, actions especially courageous, thetis sea goddess, enter battle, achilles god, received honor, fought battle, shown status, troy achilles, courageous performance combat, performance combat, courageous performance, especially courageous, especially courageous performance,