Arete, meaning excellence or honor, is a central theme in The Iliad, representing the heroic ideals achieved through skill and bravery in battle. Key characters like Achilles, Hector, Diomedes, and Priam embody arete to varying degrees. Hector exemplifies traditional heroism through loyalty and self-sacrifice, while Achilles, though a formidable warrior, displays moral ambiguity. Diomedes and Priam also demonstrate arete through their respective bravery and actions, highlighting the importance of this concept in comparing and contrasting characters.

Patroclus's death in the Iliad is significant as it serves as a catalyst for Achilles' return to battle. Patroclus, Achilles' closest friend, dons Achilles' armor to fend off the Trojans, but is killed by Hector. This event profoundly impacts Achilles, stirring his desire for vengeance against Hector. Symbolically, Patroclus's death and the loss of Achilles' old armor represent a transformation, leading Achilles to don new, divine armor, signifying a change in his character.

The heroic code in The Iliad is defined by friendship, hospitality, loyalty, and courage. Hospitality is crucial, as Paris' violation of this custom by abducting Helen sparks the Trojan War. Friendship, as seen between Achilles and Patroclus, drives Achilles back into battle to avenge Patroclus' death. Loyalty and courage are exemplified by Hector's unwavering commitment to Troy and family, and Achilles' pursuit of honor through battlefield prowess and personal vendettas.

The Iliad is an epic poem about the Greek hero Achilles and his anger with King Agamemnon of the Greeks, who dishonored him. It tells of the siege of the city of Troy. The poem is set in a time before history was recorded, and thus gives us a picture of things as they were understood to have been. Some critics believe that there was no Trojan War; Homer's Iliad is a poetic story based on myths, not history. Others think it is possible that there was a war but that it did not happen when or how Homer says it did.

The desire for power and honor creates a rift between Agamemnon and Achilles. Agamemnon wields political power, demanding respect and compensation, while Achilles seeks recognition for his battlefield prowess. When Agamemnon claims Briseis, Achilles feels dishonored, perceiving Agamemnon's actions as unjust. This leads Achilles to withdraw from battle, undermining Agamemnon's campaign against Troy. Their conflict highlights the tension between political authority and personal valor in Homeric society.

Hector achieves arete in The Iliad by embodying the ideal Greek hero through loyalty, bravery, and self-sacrifice. He faces overwhelming odds with courage and dedication to his family and country. In contrast, Achilles struggles to achieve arete due to his withdrawal from battle over a personal grievance with Agamemnon. His inaction and preoccupation with personal honor prevent him from fulfilling the heroic ideals expected in Greek culture.

The heroic code in the Iliad emphasizes honor, with Achilles and Hector exemplifying different aspects. Achilles fights for personal honor, often recklessly, driven by vengeance for Patroclus's death. His actions are self-centered, prioritizing personal glory over collective goals. In contrast, Hector fights for his family and city, adhering to a higher moral standard. His bravery includes a sense of duty to protect his men, demonstrating the code's individual and social dimensions.

Hector and Achilles have different motivations and responsibilities in the Iliad. Hector fights to defend Troy and his family, driven by duty and honor. Achilles, on the other hand, is motivated by personal glory and a desire for immortality through fame. While Hector's responsibilities are tied to his role as a prince and protector, Achilles focuses on his reputation as a warrior.

The redefinition of heroism in Homer's Iliad centers on the complex portrayal of its characters. Unlike traditional heroes, figures such as Achilles exhibit both noble and flawed traits, emphasizing personal honor, emotional depth, and the consequences of rage. This nuanced depiction challenges the simplistic notion of heroism, highlighting the internal and external struggles faced by warriors in the epic.

Achilles' heroism in Homer's Iliad is characterized by his unmatched prowess in battle and his quest for eternal glory. His actions significantly impact the Greek army's morale and the course of the Trojan War. Despite his personal flaws, Achilles' bravery and combat skills make him a central figure whose decisions and fate influence the epic's unfolding events.