about winning battles, but being courageous in life in order to be remembered after death. Fame after death is an important aspect for Homeric heroes. A warrior is nothing more than that if he is forgotten after death, but a hero is a man who fights courageously and dies in honour and is remembered for their legacy. In this way, “ heroism and death are tied together” as they need to “perpetuate one’s status” in order to continue “fame after death.” 86 A hero will be remembered for his “tale of deeds” by “future generations.” 87 It is therefore acceptable to die in war because “though dead, he shows his nobility.” 88 Homer uses the characteristics of the hero to show the importance of bravery and strength during a war. The characters themselves want to be considered heroes and want to be remembered for their achievements, and in this way, Homer accentuates the idea of the hero in order to express the character ’ s prowess. Nevertheless, it can be argued that they are not heroes at all, as Richard Gaskin argues that “choices are made for them rather than by them.” 89 If Gaskin’s view is correct, that the choices the characters make are not their own and if they are not their own decisions, then the results which lead to their success should not be reaped by them. The use of Gods does make it more likely that the men who achieve success, were chosen by the Gods to win. This makes them less like heroes. However, they are still fighting themselves and putting themselves at risk, which takes bravery. The Iliad has also been criticised, as it is historic legend but not truly history, so does not necess arily depict a true representation of the wars and ‘heroes’ of the time. Although, it is thought that some royal families may “trace their
86 Clarke, ‘Manhood and Heroism,’ p. 75; p. 77 87 Ibid., p. 78 88 Homer, The Iliad , 22. 92
89 Richard Gaskin, ‘Do Homeric Heroes Make Real Decisions?’ in Oxford Readings in Homer’s ‘Iliad ,’ edited by Douglas L. Cairns (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001), p. 147
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