Honor In The Odyssey

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The whole concepts of honor and glory are not easy to understanding the motivation of the heroes in Homer’s Iliad book. It was gained by great, heroic actions and deeds and was conferred upon an individual by others who witnessed and acclaimed the glorious actions. Major battles provided an opportunity for many to find honor at once. Honor was similar to glory, but while the public had to view actions and deem them glorious, each individual maintained their own sense of personal honor which did not always coincide with honor as defined or perceived by the masses. Honor was gained through heroism in battle, but also through compelling speech-making, loyalty, and other skills that a person might demonstrate. An example that demonstrates …show more content…
Classic definition of honor is having a reputation worthy of respect, integrity in fulfilling commitments, responsibilities, and covenants. Personal honor begins with willing obedience and is fully developed when we consistently govern ourselves by true principles. Manly honor is a very public and external thing.
Achilles wrath is initiated by his sense of honor, honor for the Greeks, specifically heroes, and the pursuit of excellence. On a personal level, men had to treat each other properly; personal regard and honor from one's peers was essential to the proper functioning of society obtained by a warrior for his accomplishments in battle. The Greeks could obtain everlasting fame and glory for their accomplishments in life. The wrath of Achilles is based on each of these …show more content…
Agamemnon was one of the most powerful kings and leaders of the Achaeans, and Achilles was his best warrior. Achilles and Agamemnon were the most dominant aspects of Ancient Greek life known for personal honor. Agamemnon believed that as king and leader of the Achaeans forces, he deserved special treatment and Chryseis as his prize. When he loses her and chooses not to defuse the situation, he claims Briseis as a compensation prize. In this situation, the communal sentiment outweighs that of the individual. To save lives, Agamemnon must give up a possession, which is not viewed by the community as dishonorable. Agamemnon puts his own interest above an act of honor or duty. However, Agamemnon’s perceived slight does not compare with the insult to Achilles’ honor with Agamemnon’s appropriation of his woman. Achilles feels his honor as acutely as Agamemnon and declares, “I am minded no longer to stay here dishonored and pile up your wealth and luxury (Homer, Iliad 1.170),” as he removes himself from the main camp. Achilles gives up the prospect of gaining certain glory on the battlefield, by having “the Achaians [honour] him as they would an immortal (Homer, Iliad 9.603),” in order to preserve his honor off the field. In anger, Achilles refuses to participate in the
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