Achilles" Ambiguous Nature in Heroism.
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 not go his way. Self-sacrifice was not present either, or he would of fought against Troy not worrying about the recognition he did not receive from fighting the other battles or what recognition he might not receive for the battle that he refused to fight. However, Achilles is known to be the strongest and shows this in his battle against Hector. Also, a hero is to be born of high status, he receives which from his mother Thetis, the sea goddess. Even though some will argue that Achilles is a hero or that he is not, he can be examined as both. .
From the day he was born, Achilles was shown of high status. When first born, Thetis, the sea goddess, tried to make Achilles an immortal in anyway she could.
