Heroism Depicted Throughout The Epic Poem, The Iliad And...

Heroism is shown through the ages in a variety of areas all over the world. One of the greatest examples of how heroism is depicted within a literary work is in Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad. Although the ideals of heroism are apparent in the poem, it is important to understand how the same theme can be seen through other works of literature. The Knights Tale, which is one of the greatest stories that Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales has to offer. The Iliad and The Knights Tale are both stories that contain the ideals of heroism. In the epic poem, The Iliad, Homer was brilliant in showing the idea of traditional heroism on the battlefield. There is a clear conviction that comes from Homer in that he directed towards his audience with the motive of making them understand the true definition of heroism. One of the greatest examples of how heroism is displayed is the success within the field of battle. Heroism is defined by the wish and willingness to emerge as a winner in case of militants. Through military conflict heroism is defined by the urge on the war field as well as the desire to defend and protect one’s honor. However, the complexity that exists within the heroism is what redefines the ideal of heroism by truly revealing it. â€Å"Wife, I too have thought upon all this, but with what face should I look upon the Trojans, men or women, if I shirked battle like a coward?†(142). Within this final scene between Hector and his wife, the heroism of war is truly displayed. Hector