The Differences between Hector and Achilles in The Iliad by Homer

Comparing The Iliad’s two greatest warriors

AI-generated image of Hector and Achilles by Pixlr.

Hector and Achilles are both highly skilled warriors each representing a different side of the Trojan War, but they differ significantly when it comes to who they fight for and their humanity during battle. The two warriors are arch-rivals who view the aims and intentions of the war in completely different ways. This not only affects the number of gods who support each side of the battle but also the number of casualties that each side suffers, which results in many twists and turns in the progression of the war.

Hector is a patriotic warrior who fights not for himself like Achilles, but to protect his people and family back in Troy. For example, in the story, he explains to Polydamas that the only omen is to fight for one’s country. This shows Hector’s selfless behaviour and his reason for fighting in the war, not for glory (or kleos in Greek) like Achilles, but to win it for the Trojans collectively. As the superior leader of the Trojans, he wants to dedicate his skill and power to lead the Trojan army to victory for the sake of the people of Troy. On the other hand, however, Achilles fights for himself during the war and originally wants the Greeks to lose, which ultimately shows his lack of dedication and patriotism to his side; for example, when Agamemnon takes Briseis from Achilles, Achilles refuses to fight for the Greeks and his egocentric behaviour results in the preventable deaths of thousands of Greek warriors. Outraged that Agamemnon took away Briseis, Achilles believed that his glory was stolen, and the fact that he refused to fight for his people because of this very reason shows his lack of leadership and patriotism — a stark contrast between him and Hector. In The Iliad, the Greeks are against rugged individualism and value family and community more than anything else, therefore Achilles’ behaviour resonates negatively with these significant cultural values. Achilles and Hector, despite their similar positions in war, lead their armies in different manners which ultimately affects which nation suffers from the greatest destruction.

When it comes to humanity, while Achilles acted in an uncivilized manner during battle, Hector was an honourable fighter who respected his opponents — even if he was facing his greatest enemy. For instance, when he killed an opponent, he would return their body to the city that they originated from so that they could be honoured by their people. This act of respect demonstrates Hector’s honourable behaviour which is one of the primary reasons that most of the Gods support Hector over Achilles. Hector’s honourable behaviour is also a testament to the prayers and offerings that the Gods give both to him and the collective Trojan army. Meanwhile, in the book Achilles tells Hector that he wishes he could eat him. Achilles violates almost all human convention because of his grief following the loss of Patroclus to the point that even the Gods notice. Achilles’ inhumane behaviour, especially following the death of Patroclus, highlights another stark contrast between him and Hector — while Hector respectfully returns the bodies of his opponents, Achilles wants to eat the flesh of his foes. Hector’s compassion during battle as opposed to Achilles’ cruelty ultimately makes him the ideal Homeric man in Homer’s Iliac.

The primary differences between Hector and Achilles are evident in The Iliad during battle both when it comes to their reason for fighting and their humanity. Hector believes that peace is always better and that violence is the “last resort”, while Achilles is a pitiless warrior who shows no respect and is murderously cruel toward his opponents. This is the reason why Hector is more respected and admired by the Gods and other warriors — not only on the Trojan side of the war but also on the Greek side. These striking differences in character between Hector and Achilles convey significant messages that teach the lesson that fighting with honour is always more favourable than fighting with brutality.