Topic > The Warrior's Quest for Glory in the Iliad

War is commonly considered a bloody and depressing state. However, in Homer's Iliad, war is used by his warriors, who seek their own glory in these bloody battles. Homer shows this quest for glory through heavy use of imagery, dialogue, and similes that show a clear need for glory through each warrior's actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The warrior's quest for glory is quite obvious at the beginning of book 17, when Euphorbus brutally kills Patroclus, and then goes on to shout " I was the first Trojan... to pierce Patroclus... so let me conquer now my glory among the Trojans” (17:15-18). From the quote we can deduce that Euphorbus feels that because of this great achievement (defeating one of the mighty Greek warriors) he deserves to “seize [his] glory” (17: 17), thus completing his quest for warrior glory can also be seen when Hector "[leaps] into his chariot, throwing [Patroclus's] burnished equipment to his waiting troops to drag them away to Troy, trophies." which will be his exceeding glory" (17.144-151) Homer's use of imagery shows that men would act treacherously (being Hector, taking Patroclus' armor to receive the credit Euphorbus deserved) to carry out their quest for glory. Not only is the warrior's quest for glory tied to slaying powerful enemies, but it can also be earned by demonstrating skill and courage. This skill is shown when Menelaus, in an attempt to take possession of Patroclus' body, is depicted as "fierce as a mountain lion, confident in his power, tearing off the choicest head from a good grazing herd" (17.69- 70). The scene portrays the great skill of Menelaus as he swoops in to capture Patroclus' body from the fray. Menelaus does this in hopes of receiving credit for his skill in recovering Patroclus' mutilated body. Ajax's fearless acts towards Hector show the warrior's courage in attempting to receive glory as "Ajax charges, shield like a tower before him" (17.146) to "protect Patroclus with his broad shield, he stood as still as a lion cornered around his young man” (17.151-153). This is a very noble and courageous act, which would allow Ajax to receive glory from his companions, completing his quest. Keep in mind: this is just one example a custom paper from our expert writers now Get a custom essay In conclusion, Homer is able to convey the warrior's quest for glory by skillfully describing the actions of the above warriors as they all strive to receive credit for their actions through the. his use of meaningful dialogue, imagery and similes allowed him to show the actions of warriors through treachery, skill and courage and resulted in much more than a bloody and gruesome battle, but rather to show a deeper characterization of some warriors, showing their struggles within the poem..