blog
media download page
Essay / The Enduring Theme of Loyalty in the Iliad ConclusionThe Iliad, an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, explores a myriad of themes that continue to resonate with readers today. One of these themes is loyalty, which is depicted throughout the epic through character interactions. Loyalty is described as a fundamental virtue that permeates all areas of life, from family ties to friendships and beyond. This essay will examine the theme of loyalty in The Iliad, focusing on the different relationships and their manifestations of loyalty in the text. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayLoyalty Between BrothersThe first aspect of loyalty that can be observed in The Iliad is loyalty between brothers. The relationship between Hector and Paris, two Trojan princes, illustrates this loyalty. Despite Paris' actions in starting war with the Greeks by kidnapping Menelaus' wife Helen, Hector remains fiercely loyal to his brother. Throughout the poem, Hector repeatedly stands up for Paris and is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his brother. This loyalty between brothers is particularly evident when Hector decides to face Achilles, the Greek hero, in one-on-one combat, instead of allowing Paris to face him. This gesture serves to highlight the level of loyalty between the two brothers and their desire to protect each other at all costs. Loyalty to one's city or homeland Another form of loyalty described in The Iliad is loyalty to one's city or homeland. The Greeks and Trojans demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their respective cities, even in the face of adversity. Throughout the epic, both sides fight bravely, not only for their personal glory but also for the honor and protection of their cities. This feeling of loyalty is found in the characters' speeches, such as Achilles' determination to avenge the death of his comrade Patroclus, or Hector's determination to defend Troy from Greek invaders. Loyalty to their cities drives these characters to overcome obstacles and fight with unwavering determination. Loyalty in the context of camaraderie and friendship Additionally, loyalty in the context of camaraderie and friendship is also explored in The Iliad. The strong friendship between Achilles and Patroclus is a striking example of this. When Patroclus falls in battle, Achilles is consumed by grief and seeks revenge on Hector. This shows the depth of their friendship and the loyalty Achilles feels towards his fallen comrade. Likewise, the bond between Diomedes and Odysseus is highlighted when Diomedes refuses to abandon Odysseus in the midst of battle, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty to each other. These friendships highlight the importance of loyalty in times of war and adversity, emphasizing the unity and trust necessary for victory. Loyalty in the relationships between gods and mortals. Additionally, loyalty is also evident in the relationships between gods and mortals in The Iliad. Gods often intervene in the affairs of mortals, showing loyalty to their favored humans. For example, Athena constantly helps the Greeks, showing loyalty to her chosen side. On the other hand, Apollo supports the Trojans, illustrating his loyalty to their cause. These divine allegiances reflect the belief that loyalty is an essential aspect of human existence, even in the eyes of the gods. Keep in mind: this.
Navigation
« Prev
1
2
3
4
5
Next »
Get In Touch