The Illiad

Being compared to the best animal and one of the most feared killers exemplifies the strength and formidable nature of this hero. When Hector is described as "Hector of the flashing or shining helmet", Homer is portraying Hector as a menacing character on the battlefield, someone to be feared but respected at the same time. .
             One can see not only Hector's strength but also his intelligence when he storms the Greek wall since he informs his men to dismount from their chariots and storm the wall on foot. He did this because there were spikes in the trench that would cripple his men, leaving them to be killed. Because of Hector's intelligence and forethought, he is able to devise and implement a plan in order to gain the best advantage in war. Therefore, the various descriptions of Hector represent his strength and intelligence.
             Gaining kudos was one of the most important honours a Greek man could achieve and this was done through the art of war. Hector fights from a sense of duty in which he displays morality, honour, nobility, and respect for others. In Book VI, Andromache begs Hector not to go and fight. Hector, being an honourable man, tells her that it is his duty " to take [his] place in the front line and win glory for [his] father and [himself]." Before Hector fights Aias, he lays down the conditions which both sides shall follow. Hector says that if he kills the Achaean warrior, he " shall send back his corpse to [their] ships so that Achaeans may give him burial rights and make a mound above him by the broad Hellespont." This shows that Hector, being a proper and just man, obeys the customs of Ancient Greece while at the same time displaying fairness and honour.
             The aid of the gods Zeus and Apollo enhanced Hector's abilities on the battlefield. Hector is protected by the gods and thus realizes that he is virtually invincible. Because he was able to receive divine help, he would fight any great Achaean warrior.