The Death of Hector

In Homer's Iliad, we see the events lead up to and turn at the death of the Trojan hero, Hector. The poem begins with the Greek word for wrath and anger, ìçíéí, and unfolds into a series of conflicts that evolve throughout. The first book introduces the backdrop of the war between the Trojans and the Achaeans, as well as the jealousy and anger of Agamemnon and the quibbling of the Gods, which continues throughout the poem.

"Anger be now your song, immortal one,

Achilles' anger, doomed and ruinous,

that caused the Achaeans loss on bitter loss

and crowded brave souls into the undergloom,

leaving so many dead men- carrion

for dogs and birds; and the will of Zeus was done."

Thus begins a long series of exchanges between fate and irony that are encapsulated by the tragic role that Hector and his death play in this poem.

Hektor's death, though not unforeseen, comes at a pivotal time in the epic when the Trojan army is forced into retreat- specifically, book 22. After a headstrong suggestion from Hector that the men sleep outside the gates of Troy, and a withdrawal of the men's wits by Athena, the army agrees to set up camp. Meanwhile, Achilles has returned to battle to avenge the death of his beloved friend, Patroklos, whom Hector has slain.