What Was Hector’s Last Request to Achilles?
What was Hector’s last request to Achilles? [NU: 2020]
In “The Iliad” (762 BCE), by Homer (c. 800 BCE - c. 701 BCE), Hector is the brave Trojan warrior. Hector’s final moments are both tragic and honourable. When Hector faces Achilles, he knows that he is likely to die. So, Hector made a heartfelt last request.
Achilles’s Challenge for Dual: Hector kills Achilles’ best friend, Patroclus. So Achilles becomes furious and rejoins the battle. He invites Hector in a dual. He says.
Request for a Proper Burial: Hector faces Achilles on the battlefield. Soon Achiles floors Hector. Then, Hector’s request was for Achilles to treat his body with respect after killing him. He asked Achilles to return his body to his family so they could give him a proper burial. This request shows how much Hector valued honour, even in death.“I will not stop killing Trojans until . . .
I meet Hector and fight him
man to man, and he kills me or I kill him.”
Achilles’ Refusal: Despite Hector’s sincere request, Achilles harshly rejected it. Driven by anger and the loss of his friend Patroclus, Achilles refused to show mercy. Homer says about him,
This response highlights how Achilles was blinded by rage and unable to show compassion, even in such a solemn moment."Achilles has lost all pity, all sense of shame."
Hector’s last request was for a proper burial. He wanted dignity and respect even from his enemy. His noble request and Achilles’ denial show the deep tragedy and humanity of the epic.