Heroism/ Timē/ Kleos

• Book 1: lines 26-120

  • Agamemnon’s insistence on keeping Chryseis
  • When Chryses, the priest of Apollo, offers a ransom for his daughter, Agamemnon refuses and insults him.
  • Agamemnon's refusal is about more than the girl—he sees returning her as a blow to his honour. His pride and status as commander depend on maintaining visible trophies of victory.
• Book 1: lines 121- 305

  • Achilles’ anger over the loss of Briseis
  • After Agamemnon agrees to return Chryseis, he demands Briseis from Achilles to assert dominance.
  • Achilles feels his honour has been attacked. For a hero, losing a war prize (especially to a lesser man in his eyes) is a public humiliation. His withdrawal from battle is a direct response to this dishonour.
• Book 1: lines 160-187

  • Achilles Threatens to sail home
  • Achilles says he will leave Troy altogether
  • Achilles measures his involvement by how much honour he receives. If his status is not upheld, his heroism has no value.
• Book 1: lines 245-305

  • Nestors attempt to mediate
  • Nestor, the wise elder, tries to counsel both Agamemnon and Achilles.
  • Nestor appeals to honour and reputation to prevent the rift. His authority comes from his past heroism, and he reminds the two of what is at stake—glory and unity in battle.
• Book 1: lines 493-530

  • Thetis pleading to Zeus for Achilles’ honour
  • Achilles asks his mother, the goddess Thetis, to persuade Zeus to help the Trojans so the Greeks suffer without him.
  • Achilles seeks cosmic justice for the insult to his honour. This shows how important reputation is—not just on earth, but even in the divine realm.
• Book 3: lines 15-30

  • Paris struts out in front wearing leopard skin, challenging any Greek to a duel.
  • Paris is trying to assert his personal glory (kleos) by presenting himself as a heroic warrior. But it’s more bravado than bravery—he wants the reputation without the risk.
• Book 3: lines 43-75

  • When Menelaus sees Paris, he leaps down from his chariot, thrilled to fight the man who stole his wife.
  • For Menelaus, this is personal and political. Fighting Paris is a way to restore his honour, which was publicly damaged when Helen was taken.
• Book 3: lines 30-75

  • Paris flees back into the Trojan ranks, and Hector harshly criticises him.
  • Hector’s words reflect the harsh standards of heroism in Greek culture. Retreating is seen as cowardice, damaging both personal and familial honour.
• Book 3: lines 121-145

  • From the walls of Troy, Helen watches the duel and laments her role.
  • Helen is aware that her abduction (or elopement) triggered this war and brought dishonour. Her reflection shows how reputation and shame affect even those not on the battlefield.
• Book 3: lines 340-382

  • the duel between Menelaus and Paris
  • The climactic duel begins with both heroes armed and fighting for Helen and personal honour.
  • This fight is the ultimate test of heroic reputation—it’s a chance for both to win eternal kleos. The duel ends inconclusively when Aphrodite saves Paris, which undermines the heroic ideal and enrages Menelaus.
• Book 4: point 1

  • Agamemnon praises and shames warriors to spur them on
  • Agamemnon walks among his troops, encouraging the brave and rebuking the less enthusiastic.
  • Heroism through honour and shame: Agamemnon uses public praise or shaming to uphold honour and maintain reputation, tapping into the warriors' need to be seen as brave. This social pressure reflects the central role of kleos (glory) in Greek heroism.
• Book 4: point 2

  • Diomedes slays many Trojans with great skill and courage.
  • Heroism through action: Diomedes earns honour and builds his reputation through battlefield excellence. His skill in combat directly translates to glory.
• Book 4: point 3

  • When Menelaus is wounded by Pandarus, Agamemnon is more distressed about Menelaus' honour and what it would mean for him to die.
  • Honour in leadership and family: Agamemnon’s fear isn’t just personal loss but the dishonour it would bring to the Greeks and to himself. This shows how reputation is not only individual but shared.
• Book 4: point 4

  • Ajax’s portrayal where he is described as a towering warrior who brings fear with his mere presence.
  • Heroism through physical presence and reputation: Ajax’s stature and past deeds make him a symbol of Greek strength. His role is almost mythic — an embodiment of the heroic ideal.
• Book 4: point 5

  • the gods influencing the battle
  • Athena encourages the Greeks and helps instigate battle to bring glory to the warriors.
  • Divine support of heroism: The gods actively promote the glory of heroes, suggesting that honour is not just earned but also bestowed by higher powers — further elevating the hero’s status.