Patroclus, his close friend, volunteers to wear his armor and go into battle. During the battle, Patroclus is killed by Hector, the head of the Trojan armies. Achilles, in anger, goes to war, and kills Hector. To bring even more dishonor to his death, Achilles does not bury the body, and instead lets the birds of the air attack the flesh. Finally, he gives in to King Priam pleas to return the body to Troy, out of sympathy. This epic poem demonstrates much of what was idealized by the ancient Greeks. For example, in one passage, they visually praise themselves, by calling themselves “the bronze-armed Achaeans”. This indicates that they not only thought that it was good thing be strong, but they also took pride in their strength. As well, when King Priam begs Achilles, he is moved as the “…words stirred within Achilles a deep desire to grieve for his own father.” While the ancient Greeks did believe in the natural order of justice, they did find a place for compassion and empathy, making them very humanistic. As for other indications for what they admired, they admired the will in humans to act for justice no matter what. For example, Achilles tells his mother that he is going to war to avenge the death of Patroclus, and that it is pointless to hold him back. Indeed, the Iliad brings to light some of the more important values held in respect by ancient Greek
Patroclus, his close friend, volunteers to wear his armor and go into battle. During the battle, Patroclus is killed by Hector, the head of the Trojan armies. Achilles, in anger, goes to war, and kills Hector. To bring even more dishonor to his death, Achilles does not bury the body, and instead lets the birds of the air attack the flesh. Finally, he gives in to King Priam pleas to return the body to Troy, out of sympathy. This epic poem demonstrates much of what was idealized by the ancient Greeks. For example, in one passage, they visually praise themselves, by calling themselves “the bronze-armed Achaeans”. This indicates that they not only thought that it was good thing be strong, but they also took pride in their strength. As well, when King Priam begs Achilles, he is moved as the “…words stirred within Achilles a deep desire to grieve for his own father.” While the ancient Greeks did believe in the natural order of justice, they did find a place for compassion and empathy, making them very humanistic. As for other indications for what they admired, they admired the will in humans to act for justice no matter what. For example, Achilles tells his mother that he is going to war to avenge the death of Patroclus, and that it is pointless to hold him back. Indeed, the Iliad brings to light some of the more important values held in respect by ancient Greek