Two different warriors In 700 BC, Homer, a blind Greek poet, composed the Iliad. This work has become one of the most significant works of Western literature. The Iliad is an epic poem. It is a long narrative poem in verse that tells the story of a hero. Achilles is the epic hero of the Iliad. Achilles is the best warrior of the Achaeans and Hector was the best warrior of the Trojans. Although Achilles and Hector look very similar, they actually have many differences between them, which makes each of them unique. The similarities are obvious between Achilles and Hector, but they were different in how they lived, why they fought, and in their mentality. It all began when King Agememnon was asked to return. Hector kills Patroclus, as he thinks he was Achilles. When Achilles learned of the death of his best friend he was angry and stricken with grief. Achilles enters the war the next day and decides to kill Hector. After a one-on-one battle, Achilles successfully kills Hector. Achilles carried Hector's body home on the back of his chariot and did not return his body to his father until a few days after Patroclus had been laid to rest. Achilles and Hector had many similarities. Both Achilles and Hector were respected by the people they fought for. “To Achilles personally to control his temper, for he is, to all Greeks, a mighty bulwark in this wicked war” (237). This shows that even when Achilles was wrong; his people still respected him, because he was their meal ticket for the war. It was the only chance the Greeks had to defeat the Trojans. Many warriors admired him and the Greeks depended on him. The Achaeans supported Achilles while the Trojans rooted on Hector. Every man was respected and seen as a hero. Although their love is different, it is obvious that every man has love in his heart. Achilles loves Briseis, her mother Thetis and her child. First we can talk about the men themselves. Hector was a mortal. He was the son of a king and queen. Ettore had a family of his own which was his life. In addition to his family, Hector loved the people of Troy and had their best interests. Achilles on the other hand was “strong, fast, and god-like” (233). Achilles' mother was the daughter of a god. Thetis was a sea goddess who did everything she could to protect her son Achilles and make him immortal. Furthermore, Achilles was an only child. Since Achilles was an only child, it is clearly shown that his mother is his child. He turns to the Gods to help him, is always there to comfort him and has a new armor built for him to return to the war and kill Hector. Second, they were different in the reasons they fought. Achilles fought for military glory, recognition, and to become a legend. His mother says, “Now you are doomed to both an early death and unparalleled misery” (240). Achilles chose a short, glorious life over a long, inglorious life. Achilles wanted to be a legend and a highly respected warrior. Hector had a humanistic approach. He fought to protect his people and bring peace to his land. Achilles fought and lived for war, while Hector was truly a family man. Achilles runs away from anger and passion, which manifests itself after the death of his friend Patroclus. “Over the sea and the dunes, he harnessed the horses