In the Iliad, analyze the critical similarities or differences between the Trojans and the Achaians - Essay Example

In The Iliad, the two opposing armies are the Trojans and the Achaians. Much is made of the poetry and plot of this epic, and rightfully so. But beyond the story of Helen and Paris lie fascinating similarities between these two opponents. In many ways, Trojans and the Achaians share a similar culture. This fact is used well by Homer to heighten the tension and drama of the story. We can see how these two proud peoples are brought to conflict, despite their many shared cultural beliefs and values.

These cultural similarities are most clearly depicted in book seven. A central theme throughout The Iliad is the recognition by both the Trojans and the Achaians that the gods of Olympus would determine the final outcome of the conflict. This shared belief is shown throughout the story in many different ways. One manifestation of this shared belief in the intercession of deity in the lives of men in The Iliad is through the casting of lots. In essence, this is the same as drawing a name out of a hat to see who wins something.

But for the Trojans and the Achaians, it is a means of knowing the will of the gods. When the Achaians needed to know who should fight against Hektor, the lot fell upon Aias. This relieved the Trojans because this was the very person they had been praying would receive the chance to fight Hektor. This shared belief in the intervention of gods in the conflict is also shown in the direct speech between the two warring armies. At the beginning of Hektor’s challenging speech to the Achaians, he expresses his belief that both sides have found ill favor with Zeus.

That is why neither side can prevail. The prayer of the Achaians is also telling in this regard. They prayed that their champion, Aias might prevail over Hektor, but only if Zeus loves Aias more than Hektor. They prayed that if Zeus loved them equally, then they wanted each to return from individual battle with equal honor and safety. This, in fact, is what happened in this particular instance. Another shared cultural feature of the Trojans and the Achaians is the emphasis on honorable actions and bravery.

Bravery, bravado and physical prowess are marks of honor and distinction for both societies. In his speech to the Achaians, Nestor upbraids his countrymen for not being willing to challenge Hektor. He states clearly that he would do it himself if he were not so old. He then recounts fights that he won that brought him honor. He makes it clear that none of the assembled Achaians were worthy of such honor because they were not willing to stand up to Hektor. His speech as the desired effect, as nine Achaians rise to take up Hektor’s challenge.

This public adulation for bravery and honor is also shown by the way Aias and Hektor are greeted upon their return from battle. Though neither prevailed, they were still welcomed home as if conquering heroes. This is because they fought bravely, but the will of the gods determined that neither should die that day. A final similarity between the Trojans and the Achaians is the belief in honoring ancestors and the dead. This can been seen when both sides agree to stop fighting for a space of time so the bodies of the dead can be gathered and burned properly.

The need to do this speaks to the aforementioned emphasis on honor and brave conduct. Though the Trojans and Achaians were enemies, The Iliad clearly shows that these adversaries were much more alike than they were different. Homer knew that these is nothing more tragic that conflict between people that should rightly be friends. That is why he takes such pains to paint the Trojans and the Achaians with a similar brush.