Character Analysis: Hector

Trojan prince, Hector is the greatest warrior in Troy. He is the first son of King Priam. Hector was married to Andromache, he had an infant son. He was commonly referred to as a leader of the Trojans and their allies in the defense of Troy, killing 31 Greek fighters in all. Hector is known for his courage but also his noble and courtly nature. There are a few main differences between Hector in the Iliad and in the Movie Troy. These are who he fights and kills and how he acts in the heat of battle.

In Troy Hector is a courageous, loyal, honorable warrior. He kills many Greek men and kills hero Ajax, King Menelaus and also mistakenly kills Patroclus after thinking he was fighting Achilles because Patroclus was wearing Achilles Armour.

In homer’s Iliad Hector is portrayed to appear less courageous and heroic , he is still the best warrior in Troy but he is more cowardly and less moral. Hector’s epic fight with Ajax in the film seen below is a great example of the difference between Homeric Hector. We can see that the mighty Ajax is killing many Trojans so Hector, without hesitation attacks Ajax where he then proceeds to heroically kill him.

 In the Iliad we can see the difference of Hector's courage levels. "Ajax came up with his shield like wall before him, on which Hector withdrew under shelter of his men, and sprang on to his chariot, giving the Armour over to the Trojans to take to the city...” eventually when the two warriors fight neither can deal a death blow so they then call a ceasefire and express admiration for each other's courage, skill, and strength. Hector gave Ajax his sword, which Ajax later uses to kill himself.



Another difference is what Hector does to Menelaus. In Troy, Paris is fighting Helen's husband Menelaus. Paris gets completely overpowered and cowers at Hectors feet. When Menelaus goes to finish Paris, Hector steps in and kills Menelaus. This breaches the terms of an agree set up between the leaders so the Greeks attack. In the Iliad Menelaus never dies at Troy, in fact he takes Helen back to Sparta where he “is to punish her’”. 

One other difference between Hector's portrayal in the Iliad and the Movie is how he faces the enraged Achilles. In the film we can see Hector courageously risk his life to remain honorable and fight Achilles after he cut Patroclus's throat. Achilles and Hector battle face-to-face and eventually Achilles kills Hector by spearing him in the left side of Hector's chest and then stabbing him through the heart. In the Iliad Hector is not so courageous and honorable, although before he goes meets Achillies face to face he does have this to say for himself  "No man, against my fate sends me to Hades"

 Hector comes out of the great gates of Troy to face Achilles, however he is overwhelmed by fear and goes to flee but he is hampered by Athena, in the disguise of Hector's brother Deiphobus, this deludes Hector. Achilles then kills Hector when he eventually faces him after realizing he is doomed and decides to go honorably.

Ajax vs Hector: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GyDoL7ij3A 

Hector kills Menelaus:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp9SH5r8Otk

Hector's death https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ygRholyh5g