Why does the iliad end with the emphasis on hector

During those weeks, the focus is squarely on the figure of Achilleus, the greatest warrior of the Achaians. Even more specifically, the focus is on the anger of Achilleus When Achilleus gives Hektor's body back to the Trojans for proper burial, the cycle of his anger is complete.

At the same time, we know through some pretty heavy foreshadowing that Achilleus is going to die soon, so we feel that the story of his life is complete too—even if we don't get to see every detail of how it plays out.

Of course, there are some deeper thematic reasons for ending with the funeral of Hektor too—stuff about our common humanity transcending our differences, man —but we don't want to spoil the fun of figuring these out for yourself. Parents Home Homeschool College Resources. Study Guide. By Homer. Previous Next. What's Up With the Ending? How did Achilles die? According to legend, the Trojan prince Paris killed Achilles by shooting him in the heel with an arrow.

Paris was avenging his brother, Hector, whom Achilles had slain. When Odysseus, Ajax, and Phoenix visit Achilles to negotiate her return in book 9, Achilles refers to Briseis as his wife or his bride.

Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Essay What does the Iliad teach us about war? Ben Davis May 11, What does the Iliad teach us about war? How does the Iliad start? What is the main conflict in the Iliad? Why did Apollo give Cassandra her gift? Does Achilles die in the Iliad? How did Achilles actually die? Why did Achilles love briseis?