Hector

Hector was also known as Hector breaker of horses and man-killing Hector. Wikipedia says, “ Homer calls him ‘breaker of horses’, largely to maintain the meter of his lines and because Troy in general was known for horse raising. Hector is never specifically mentioned breaking horses.” The name man-killing Hector does not require further explanation.

Hector was the eldest son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba. Nothing seems to be known of Hector’s childhood or life before the war. His fighting was more for the protection of Troy than for his personal glory. He was married to Andromache and they had one son, Astyanax. Hector was more of a family man than a warrior as opposed to Achilles, nonetheless he was a great warrior in the Trojan War and was the stronghold of Troy. Wikipedia says, "During the Trojan War, Hector was equal to Ajax and surpassed only by Achilles". Encyclopedia.com says, “Hector was portrayed in the Iliad as the mainstay of Troy”. The Achaeans knew conquering the city meant killing Hector first.

Hector’s brother Paris caused the Trojan War because he abducted Menelaus’ wife Helen. The men of Troy fought against the Achaeans while Paris was with Helen. Hector was annoyed with his brother and he did not understand why he was not fighting. Hector was aware of his duty. He never drank wine nor wandered from any of his duties in contrast to Paris. Andromache begs Hector to not return to the war, but his duty is to Troy and he must fight.

Parada says, “In one occasion, Hector and the Achaean champion Ajax fought in a single combat that was without issue because the heralds parted them as the night was coming. In recognition of their courage the contenders exchanged gifts. But, as it is said, the gifts of enemies bring no good, for Ajax gave Hector the belt by which he was later dragged by Achilles, and Hector gave Ajax the sword with which he killed himself”.

Achilles was mad with Agamemnon and prayed that the Achaeans would suffer. Thetis made the request to Zeus and he granted several victories for the Trojans. Hector killed Achilles’ best friend Patroclus and in doing so, enraged Achilles. The Achaeans retrieved the body of Patrolcus, but not the armor, which was Achilles’ armor. Hector’s parents tried to talk him out of facing Achilles, but Hector did not listen. Hector wore the armor of Achilles, he became afraid when he saw Achilles coming, and he ran from Achilles. Athena disguised herself as Deiphobus, one of Hector’s brothers. She convinced Hector to stand up to Achilles and he met his fate. Achilles killed Hector and avenged Patroclus’ death. Achilles tied Hector by his tendons and dragged him face down around the city to further shame Hector. (The Norton Anthologies, The Iliad. 186). “Some modern scholars have even suggested that he, not Achilles, is the true hero of The Iliad”. (Wikipedia)

Before Priam came to meet with Achilles, Thetis told Achilles he must give back the body per Zeus’ request. Achilles gave Hector to Priam and the proper burial was given. The war was won by the Achaeans, Astyanax was thrown to his death, and Andromache was carried away by the Achaeans as chattel.

Works Cited

The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Sarah Lawall. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1999.

“Hector”. 8 Feb. 2005. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hector

“Hector”. 8 Feb. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. http://www.encyclopedia.com/searchpool.asp?target=hector

Parada, Carlos. “Hector 1”. Greek Mythology Link. 8 Feb. 2005. http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Hector1.html