Despite being vital to each other, human government is not always in sync with military. Homer’s Iliad depicts this struggle very well. It shows the tension between military authority and political authority. Each hero demands superior honor by using their respective excellencies. This causes friction. Agamemnon has political authority and Achilleus has martial excellence. The reader can see that both martial and political excellence are capable of surpassing each other in this battle for superior honor. Achilleus is more entitled to greater honor than Agamemnon because of Agamemnon’s injustices and because Achilleus’ fair use of prowess at the battlefield.
Agamemnon and Achilles’ actions must be distinguished. First, we need to understand what justice means in Achaian traditions. Justice is defined as the use of an individual’s talents or excellence to make a difference among common men, in accordance with God’s will. The act of doing something that is in accordance with the will of gods can be described by how it relates to the fate of the subject or object. Achilleus is furious that Agamemnon has taken Briseis as his war prize and dishonoured Achilleus. Athena descends from Mount Olympus instead to ask Achilleus not killing Agamemnon. Achilleus says: “Goddess, it’s necessary that I obey your two ‘… Words. He placed his heavy hands on the silver sword and thrust the great weapon back into the scabbard. 216-221 Agamemnon will not be killed by Achilleus or Achilleus. Agamemnon is to be executed in the manner that Achilleus would have. Achilleus might have killed Agamemnon if he had not done so. Agamemnon could not face his fate and would have been forced to be executed by his wife. Achilleus’ superiority on the battlefield shows that he is seeking distinction from the commoner by acting in accordance with the will Zeus. This impressive use of force is clearly evident in his victories versus smaller Troy heroes. But, the moment that it shines the most is when he defeats Hektor: “Die. And I will take myself to the grave at any time Zeus or the rest the immortals choose” (22). 365-366. This moment is when Achilleus can come to terms both with Patroclus’ death due to Hektor’s vengeance and his tragic end. Hektor, Troy’s most well-known hero, is killed by Achilleus. Although it is a vengeance act, it ultimately separates Achilleus and the common soldier. Hektor’s execution at Achilleus’ hands is also in line with the wills of the gods, as even the Trojan gods knew Hektor was dying. Achilleus, who accepts Hektor’s imminent death at his own terms, is perhaps the best example of the just usage.
Achilleus is a great martial artist, but Agamemnon abuses his political power in an inexcusable manner, which makes Achilleus not only a leading warrior but also a leader. Agamemnon may have been given authority by the gods. However, his greed for the division of spoils led to the deaths of many of his own soldiers. Achilleus takes over the responsibility of leading the troops to correct Agamemnon. Agamemnon then violates Achaian tradition and takes what is rightfully his. Agamemnon loses the right to his honor when his simple pleasures are preventing him from being able to rule effectively. Apollo is decimated by the Achaian army because Apollo interferes with his simple pleasures. 93-95). The assembly is named because Agamemnon did not want Chryseis returned to her father Chryses the priest Apollo. Agamemnon, who is supposed to be a ruler, fails to fulfill his duty and allows his people to die. Achilleus takes charge and calls the assembly together to try to convince the son-in-law Atreus. Achilleus then accepts Agamemnon’s apology and claims he will make amends for Apollo. Although it is possible that Achilleus was wrong in refusing to fight with his companions, Achilleus and his companions are not there to support Achilleus as he is dishonoured by Agamemnon. They watch as Agamemnon takes Achilleus’ war prize and honor. The gods will have the Achaians driven back to their ships. This is the reason Achilleus chose to stay away from combat with the Achaian army.
Agamemnon’s misapplication of excellence by Achilleus and Achilleus are both examples of how difficult it can seem to be just and human. A hero must adhere to the principles set forth by the judge of good or evil. This principle is just as important today as it was back in the Achaians’ days. In this instance, the gods act as judges of good or evil. The virtues they declare are in direct correlation to their will. Achilleus is honored by following the wills of the gods during battle. Agamemnon, on the other hand, is shamed for disobeying the gods’ will. Homer’s Iliad has a unique representation of human nature in Achilleus’ and Agamemnon’s characters. This is why it is still relevant in today’s times. While its religious significance has been reduced, The Iliad is still a significant part of epic poetry because of the way it portrays flawed human nature through its various characters.
