In The Iliad, warriors from the Achaean and Trojan armies demonstrate noble traits, with Achilles being the epitome of nobility. Despite Hector’s killing of Patroclus, a beloved companion and protege of Achilles, the great Achaean warrior shows compassion towards Priam, the King of Troy. By releasing Hector’s body to Priam, Achilles performs a noble deed. He respects Troy’s burial customs for a prince and holds off the Achaean army for twelve days. Aware that Agamemnon discovering Priam’s presence in the Greek camp would put Priam’s life at risk and delay the release of Hector’s body, Achilles acts accordingly.
Priam secretly went to Achilles’ hut in the Greek camp to implore Achilles to have compassion on him, as a father who has lost all hope and his most beloved son. Priam beseeches Achilles to consider his own father, saying, “Think of your own father, Achilles, he who is near the threshold of old age. He may be currently besieged by enemies, wearing him down with no one to shield him from harm” (520-524). Priam informs Achilles that someday his father may discover that Achilles is alive and regain hope that he will be rescued and kept safe.
Priam will never feel that way again as his final son has passed away. Achilles shows sympathy towards Priam and arranges for the cleansing and release of Hector’s body. Despite being enemies, Achilles allows Priam to give Hector a proper burial. Achilles asks, “How long will the funeral last? I will hold back the army” (707-708). Priam answers that it will take twelve days for the city’s preparations. For nine days, Troy will mourn and gather provisions for the ceremony. On the tenth day, they will bury Hector.
On the eleventh day, a burial will be arranged for him, and on the twelfth day, they will engage in combat if needed. Achilles shows reverence for the customs surrounding the funeral of a Trojan Prince. While Priam was at the Greek camp, Achilles took it upon himself to ensure Priam’s well-being. He instructed his servants to prepare a bed behind his hut because the Achaean leaders might come into his hut in the morning for discussions. If they saw Priam there, they would immediately inform Agamemnon, putting Priam at risk and delaying Hector’s body from being released. Through acts of respect and honor, Achilles exhibits his nobility.
Despite being enemies, Achilles released Hector’s body to Priam with respect. Realizing that it would be disrespectful to hand over Hector’s body in its current condition, Achilles instructed his servants to clean, oil, and wrap it for a dignified burial. Acknowledging Hector’s public status as a Prince, Achilles allowed the Trojans to perform the proper funeral rites. Although it would have been simple for Achilles to dismiss Priam or harm him in his dwelling, he managed to control his emotions regarding Patroclus. Exhibiting great courage, Achilles demonstrated the ability to let go of the past and exhibit acts of nobility.
