Achilles And Agamemnon
The quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon in Book 1 demonstrates the core value in Homeric society that personal honor is paramount. After being forced into returning his war prize, Chryseis, Agamemnon is outraged by the idea that Achilles would be able to keep Briseis, and demands another prize as a replacement. In arguing with Achilles, Agamemnon states, If the army, in a generous spirit, voted me Some suitable prize of their own choice, something fair- But if it doesn’t, I’ll just go take something myself, … And whoever she belongs to, it’ll stick in his throat. (Iliad 1.145-1.150)
Not only does Agamemnon insist that his war prize be replaced, illustrating his desire for gifts as his motivation for fighting, but threatening