The War Begins

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Trojan_Women_Set_Fire_to_their_Flee.jpg

After a length of time spent traveling, 1,184 Greek ships approach the shore of Troy (Strauss, pg. 3 ). The beach was filled with Trojans who were prepared well in advance. The fight was disordered. As ships came to shore, men would get off of them only to be faced by Trojans. Achilles, a prominent figure from the Greek side, killed Cycnus, who was considered to have god-like powers (Strauss, pg. 65). This was the encouragement the Greeks needed to come out victorious on the beach. The Trojans withdrew back into the massive walls of Troy where King Priam of Troy would reside the duration of the war.

The huge walls of Troy include large wooden doors plated with metal. They are bolted and an incredible defense system. They are “a mass of stone and earth that won’t be breached without blood” (Strauss, pg. 69). Due to this, the next ten years consist of small-scale battles and failed attempts to enter the great walls. It is not until the tenth year that major events begin to once again occur.

The first major event involves Patroclus, a close companion of Achilles. Achilles did not believe that an entire war should be fought over a woman. After a quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles, Achilles vowed not to fight for the Greeks anymore. Patroclus pleaded Achilles to fight. Achilles refused but allowed Patroclus to wear his armor in order to try to encourage the rest of the troops. Patroclus went on a killing spree with Achilles armor and men. Killing the many Trojans he did only caused him to want to push further. However, the spree ended when Hector managed to spear Patroclus, killing him. The death of Patroclus resulted in the wrath of Achilles. “I will go; I will pursue Hector who has slain him whom I loved so dearly…” (Homer, Il. XVIII). So Achilles did exactly what he said. He set aside his differences and set forth in pursuit of Hector.

Achilles approached Hector fiercely and eager to fight. At first, Hector stood his ground, but after seeing Achilles approach, tried to run out of intimidation. Eventually, he gave in and decided to fight. The battle did not last long and ended with Achilles driving a spear into Hector. Typically, Achilles would show respect for the body of a fallen soldier, ally or enemy. But, this time it was different. Achilles attached Hector’s lifeless body to the back of his chariot and dragged him around in front of the gates of Troy.

“…he pierced the sinews at the back of both his feet from heel to ancle and passed thongs of ox-hide through the slits he had made: thus he made the body fast to his chariot, letting the head trail upon the ground.” (Homer, Il. XXII).