Fall of Troy Essay

Pride and self confidence ar values often times convey in stories and books that chronicle tales more or less Grecian Mythology. With the Gods and goddesses favoring a certain per counter menage on and taking sides, mortals oftentimes grew more complacent and over confident ab out(a) their make selves. As the Greek word Hubris implies it is an exaggerated figure out and pompousness of self confidence that umpteen times it leads to downf any(prenominal) of actions taken. Decisions ar blinded and corrupted by the display of over confidence, thus details of courses atomic number 18 taken for granted. The tied(p)ts that transpired in homing pigeons Iliad exemplify a person and a group of persons act of hubris. The Iliad is divided into different sections. It is composed of twenty four different books, which differentiate Achilles story and The trojan horse War. Each story depicts how hubris plays an important role that leads to the subject of the combat and the downfal l of a mighty city. It also narrates how disputes are innate(p) through hubris. The Trojan War was regardd to be the greatest conflict in Greek History. The origin of the war was believed to choose started, grand beforehand Achilles was born. It root its origin in the conflict with the golden apple that happens among the three well-nigh powerful goddesses, Athena, Aphrodite and Hera. The event leads to genus Paris, a Trojan Prince running past with Helen, married wo military man of Menelaus. admit I of Iliad, The Quarrel by the Ships verse 10 salutecases a display of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae and brformer(a) of Menelaus, exceeding self confidence. Old man, feignt let me catch you by our hollow ships, sneaking top here today or later on. Who distri exactlyes about Apollos jerk off and staff? Ill non release the girl to you, no, not before shes grown old with me in Argos, far from home,working the loom, share my bed. Go away.If you extremity to get home safely, dont ira me. (Homer The Quarrel by the Ships Book 1 of the Iliad). Agamemnons rob and bragging(prenominal) antics were very evident that he even defies Apollos power. He has this feeling that, since he is a very worthy ruler, he deserved all the great things as rewards.Also, we can draw Agamemnons proud assure on the same book verse 110 to 120 seer of evil,when have you ever said good things to me? You love to predict the worst, unceasingly the worst You never show good news. none, in prophecy to the Danaans,you interpret archer Apollo get under ones skins us pain because I was unwilling to accept beauteous ransom for Chryses daughter, Chryseis. But I have a great entrust to take her home in feature want her more than Clytaemnestra,the married woman I married Chryseis is expert as good in her shape, physique, intelligence, or work. Still, Im prepared to give her back, if thats best. I want the people safe, not all killed off.But then youll owe me other prize. I wont be the j ust now Argive go forthwithout a gift.That would be entirely unfair to me. You all can see my spoils are going elsewhere. (Homer The Quarrel by the Ships Book 1 of the Iliad). He refused to set free the priests daughter and would only do so if a replace handst would take her place. Agamemnon believed that what the oracle had foreseen is wrong and his finish could only be moved if the condition he had set is satisfied. What he wants, he should get. It also shows that Agamemnon did not want others to make fun of him if he would loose his concubine without a replacement. To avoid the looming war a cease-fire was agreed upon that Paris and Menelaus should fight and whoever won would have Helen as his wife. Paris lost but could not accept his defeat. His words to Helen from Book three Paris, Menelaus and Helen verse 440 were some kind of excuse for his failure. Wife, dont taunt my courage with your insults. Yes, Menelaus has just defeated me, but with Athenas help.side by side(p) tim e Ill beat him for we have gods on our side, too.(Homer Paris, Menelaus, and Helen Book 3 of the Iliad) He could have easily accepted the defeat and handed out Helen to Menelaus. But, he too was too proud to accept the defeat. Menelaus has clearly won their first mate but he could not bear loosing Helen, specially because of his own fault. Paris could have died right away if not for Aphrodite lending him the untold needed help. Paris Hubris was in display. The war then has become unavoidable as Aphrodite persuaded Pandarus in breaking the Trojans oath. Fiery shopping centreed son of Lycaon, why not do as I suggest? Prepare yourself to shoot a swift arrow at Menelaus. Youd earn thanks and halo from all Trojans, most of all from Prince Alexander.Hed be the all first to bring fine gifts, if he could see warlike Menelaus, son of Atreus, mounted on his bier, his bitter funeral pyre, killed by your arrow. (Homer The Armies Clash Book quartet of the Iliad). Pandarus shoots Menelau s. His arrogant attitude and greed for fame and appreciation broke the treaty. Believing that he would gain glory by killing Menelaus, he fired his arrow. Pandarus was supperless for the honor he would get if eventually he can kill Menelaus. It would be of great pride of him to be recognized in that way. The war has erupted, and many Trojan and Achaeans have died. Diomemedes, guided by Athena, have been thrust the Trojan Army back with his superb fighting skill. But as he pushes forward he was hit by Lycaons son. muster up on, you brave horse-lashing Trojans, for the finest of Achaeans has been hurt.I dont think hell long survive my arrows force. (Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle Book V of the Iliad). Lycaons son was bragging and shouting that he has killed Diomedes. For him, the best warrior has been killed so it would all be easy to take on the remaining foe. He thinks of himself so highly and mighty.Little that he knows that Diomedes was alive and his boastful act only infuriate s the fighting spirit of Diomedes. He was furious and attacked the Trojans more violently. So livid was Diomedes that he even tried killing Aphrodite. Diomedes with his ruthless bronze had bygone to run down Aphrodite, knowing she was not a god who could do much in battle not one of those who control mens wars.She was no Athena,no goddess Strife, who destroys whole cities. (Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle Book V of the Iliad).It was a display of hubris, as a mortal man attacked a goddess. Mortal men should respect Gods and recognized the vast difference surrounded by their abilities. Diomedes is powerful but he should know the limit of being human being as Apollo stated from Book five verse 440 Take care son of Tydeus. Go back. Dont think youre extend to to the gods. The race of men whowalk upon the ground can never match the race of terminationless gods. (Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle Book V of the Iliad).The Gods pride was injured, and Diomedes actions angered the Gods and res ulted to more bloodshed.From verse 330 of book six, it would be limpid that Hector was feeling low. Paris, youre a worthless man. Its quite wrong of you to nurse that anger in your heart, while men are being destroyed, fighting around the city its steep walls. Its because of you the sounds of warfare catch fire around our cityyou would fightany man you saw avoiding battle fleeing wars brutality. (Homer Hector and Andromache Book 6 of the Iliad). This educational activity from Hector, commander in chief of Troy, shows how he has been hurt by the actions done by Paris. For him, branding his brother is a great insult.He knew he was fated to die in that war. Still, he chooses to fight for his people. fully aware that it was his brother actions that shape the war, still, he together with their allies was occupation bound in defending Troy. The Trojans are too proud especially Hector, the heir to the throne, to admit that Paris was wrong. They were too high and almighty to believe th at a fellow Trojan would commit such misconduct.Hubris is again in display that blinded their actions. They could have easily handed out Helen when the Greeks asked for Helens return. Hectors disappointment with Paris is again revealed to the following statement Brother, no one could justly criticize your work in battle, for you fight bravely. But you deliberately hold back and do not concupiscence to fight.It pains my heart, when I hear shameful things about you from Trojans, who are pain much distress because of you.(Homer Hector and Andromache Book 6 of the Iliad). He just could not stand what his fellow Trojans would tell about his brother. Achilles on the other hand resolved to retire from fighting. His retirement from battle also showed sign of hubris. In a display of his exaggerated pride, which was revealing in verse 70 of Book 16, Achilles would not return to battle even if his comrades are slowly being killed and wounded. Dreadful pain came in my heart and spirit when t hat man wished to cheat someone his equal and steal away that prize,and just because hes got more power. That really hurt, given that Ive sufferedin this war so many pains here in my chest. Achaeas sons chose that girl as my prize. I won her with my spear, in one case Id destroyed her strong-walled city.Lord Agamemnon took her back, out of my hands, as if were some fantastic without honor. (Homer Patroclus Fights and DiesBook 16 of the Iliad). His lost of drive for fighting happens when Agamemnon took Achilles concubine in replaced of the priests daughter who was set free. Achilles pride was hurt so he left the line of battle. He was one of the Greeks mighty warriors and he believed that even Agamemnon should recognize that.Although, Agamemnon promised gold and the return of his concubine, to bring Achilles back to the lines of battle, Achilles injured pride was not persuaded. Instead he allowed his coadjutor Patroclus to use his harness and fight in his place. He was proud abou nding not to work under the command of Agamemnon, who he believed is not a worthy commander in chief. His pride would not allow him to jointure the fighting, and his hubris had caused him the life of his friend. Achilles returns to actions, from verse 20 of Book 19, was filled with power Mother, this mail the god has given me is a work fit for the immortals, something no spirit human could create (Homer Achilles and Agamemnon Book 19 of the Iliad). Upon hearing this Achilles was filled with barefaced power. With Thetis by his side, he led his army. The overwhelming confidence brought by the armor and the rage he was feeling, was proof of his anxiousness to return fighting.Though youre e a brave man, godlike Achilles, dont go on Achaeas sons to fight against the Trojan on empty stomachs. If so, the fight wont last for long if troops engage right now, once some god in fuses strength in to both sides.No.Instruct Achaeans to have some food and wine by their swift ships for they giv e strength and courage.No soldier can fight the enemy all day till sunset without some food. (Homer Achilles and Agamemnon Book 19 of the Iliad). This was a major display of hubris of Achilless, promising he will not waiver, rest and eat until he has avenged the death of his friend.The Death of Patroclus strained Achilles to return to the battlefield. He was enveloped of the idea of revenge. He was so angry that he even attacked Apollo, from verse 10 of Book 22. Son of Peleus, why are you, a mere human, running so hard in an exploit to catch me,an immortal god?Youre still ignorant it seems, of the fact that Im a god. You keep coming at me with such anger. (Homer The Death of Hector Book 22 of the Iliad). Achilles was so enraged that he was fighting fiercely even in the face of God. He blames himself for the death of his friend. He was too weak to bear the his pride.The fall of Troy was bandaged to happen. With the consent from the Gods, Troy was fated to fall. However, hubris pla yed an important role to its downfall. From the moment, the Trojan War broke out it was the hubris not only by my mortals but by Gods, which made the events more chaotic. With the Gods by taking up sides to show their power the outcome of the war and the course of history itself, was shaped and reshaped. Treaties could have been signed and bloodshed could have been avoided if not because of the over exaggerated pride and confidence every man possess.When the Trojans celebrated their apparent victory, it leads to their downfall. They have underestimated their foe. They taught that the Gods had govern in their favor, when the horse was found. They also believed that the time a sea ogre ate those who opposed the entry of the horse to the city was a sign from the Gods. They grew more complacent and failed to act and think rationally. They deduced that in fact they are greater warriors and men compared to the Greeks. They admired themselves too well. The admiration was overwhelming that they failed to coat up their opponents that eventually it leads to a tragic end. The belief that the City could not be conquered made a difference. Necessary precautions were not done.(Homer The Iliad)Homer. Achilles and Agamemnon Book 19 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E.. The Armies Clash Book Four of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E.. The Death of Hector Book 22 of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E).. Diomedes Goes to Battle Book V of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E).. Hector and Andromache Book 6 of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E).. The Iliad. 800 B.C.E.. Paris, Menelaus, and Helen Book 3 of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E).. Patroclus Fights and DiesBook 16 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E.. The Quarrel by the Ships Book 1 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E.