Homeric Heroes, And Free Will In Homers Iliad and Odyssey the characters constantly battle with themselves. The main characters are multidimensional and are given free will but it is expected by the gods to accept the punishment when they dishonore them or the customs of the society they live. Mortals usually blame the gods for their misfortunes; “Mortals! They are always blaming the gods for their troubles when their own witlessness causes them more than they are destined for!” (Odyssey 1.36)Although the decisions they made based on their personality led to problems they have. Their (Hubris) is the reason for the problems they have. Hubris always leads to nemesis and the downfall of a character. Achilles has strength and a close relationship…show more content… Although Achilles is better warrior than him, he demolish the Achaean army during Achilles absence. He leads the assault that penetrates the Achaean wall, he is the first to set fire to an Achaean ship, and he kills Patroclus. He is a great leader but like all Homeric heroes he has flaws in his personality, especially toward the end of the Iliad, when He flees Great Ajax and tries to flee Achilles as well. He recovers his courage only after receiving the insults of his commanders: ”Why are you out of action, Hector? It’s not right. If I were as much stronger than you as I am weaker, you’d pay dearly for withdrawing from battle.” (Iliad 16.752) Hector can become emotionally carried as well, treating Patroclus and his other victims with cruelty. Later he is overconfident, he orders the Trojans to camp outside wall before Achilles returns to battle. Hector shows deep, love for his family. He even treats Paris with forgiveness despite ignoring his duty. Hector is never violent with his coward brother even if he thinks that the reason for his trouble and the Trojan war was Paris not following the ancient law of host and visitor and kidnaping Helen. Although he runs from Achilles at first being coward like his brother and he has hope that he will find a way out of a duel, in the end he stands up to Achilles, even when he realizes that the gods have abandoned him and his death is
