Hector of Troy is one of the most famous heroes of Greek mythology ; was a Trojan prince known for his bravery, military skill and sense of duty. During the Trojan War, he defended his city until he was killed by the Greek hero Achilles.

Greek mythology is full of explanations about the origin of life and the phenomena of nature, told through stories with gods and heroes. And among the main stories is that of Hector of Troy, prince and hero of mythology.

Beforehand, know that Hector was considered the greatest warrior of Troy, however, he did not approve of the war that had started between the Greeks and the Trojans. So, to learn all about this Greek myth, check out this article until the end.

First, what is Greek mythology?

Greek Mythology is full of myths, legends and tales, created by the Greeks in ancient times. It explains the origin of life, as well as the phenomena of nature, and tells the stories of gods and heroes like Hector of Troy, involving battles and sacrifices.

In short, these narratives can be seen as a way to understand how human behaviors developed and where they originated, as well as aspects of ancient societies. These myths, over time, were expressed through Greek literature and also through other arts, such as paintings and ceramic works.

History of Troy

The mythical city of Troy, also known as Ilios, is one of the most controversial places in antiquity, as it is debated whether it really existed. Located in Asia Minor (now Turkey), there is an archaeological site believed to be the city of Troy, however historians cannot confirm this.

The Iliad and other myths state that the walls of Troy were invincible, built by Poseidon himself. However, with the cunning of Odysseus it was possible to enter the city, for he built a large wooden horse, disguised as a gift, where the Greeks were hidden inside.

Who was Hector, Prince of Troy?

In Greek mythology, Hector (ˈhɛk tər/; Ἕκτωρ, Hektōr, pronounced [héktɔːr]) is a character in Homer's Iliad, he was the eldest son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. He played the role of Trojan prince in the Trojan War and was considered the greatest warrior of the city.

Heitor led the Trojans in the defense of Troy, defeating many Greek warriors. However, he was killed in single combat by Achilles, who then dragged his body through the streets of Troy behind his chariot.

In that sense, Hector was a hero to all the Trojans because of his perseverance in battle and his kindness Loved by all, except the Achaeans, who feared him because he was the best Trojan warrior. During the Trojan War, Hector brought glory and honor to his people, becoming a prominent leader.

Story of Hector of Troy, the greatest warrior

The story of Hector comes primarily from Homer's Iliad, one of the two complete works of the Epic Cycle. According to the Iliad, Hector did not approve of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans.

For a decade, the Achaeans besieged Troy and its allies from the east. Heitor led the Trojan army, with assistance from several subordinates, including Polydamas, and his brothers Deiphobus, Helenus, and Paris.

According to what was reported, Hector was the best warrior the Trojans and their allies could face, his fighting talent being admired by both the Greeks and his own people.

Hector in the Trojan War

When Paris, the younger brother of Hector, visited the Greek city of Sparta and brought back the beautiful wife of the Spartan king, Helen, the Greeks were furious and demanded that she be returned. As they rejected his demands, they sailed to Troy with a large army to get her back by force.

Although Hector disagreed with Paris' attitude, he assumed the responsibility of leading his city against the Greek invaders, for he was the greatest warrior in Troy .

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Heitor stood out in the Trojan War from the very beginning. According to myth, it was he who killed Protesilau, the first Greek to set foot in Troy. However, despite Heitor's bravery, the Greeks managed to gain access to the city. The Trojans retreated behind its walls and thus began the decade-long Trojan War.

Fight between Achilles and Hector

A he fight between Achilles and Hector was one of the most important battles of the Iliad . Achilles, the most famous Greek hero, and Hector, the prince of Troy, fought bravely in a combat that began when Achilles attacked Hector at the gate to the walls of Troy.

Hector of Troy Achilles, knowing that he could not defeat Achilles, because there was a prophecy that he would be killed by him, tried to flee, but Achilles chased him and the two ended up fighting a fierce battle. The fight was long and difficult, because both heroes were very strong and skilled.

Underremodo, Achilles and Hector of Troy were destined to meet and Athena was helping Achilles by providing him with weapons and tricking Hector into believing he would get help. Thus, Hector decides to make his death memorable and glorious, and after taking up his sword, attacks Achilles, being struck by his spear and dying. With Hector's death, Troy lost its greatest defender and alsohis last hope.

Hector's death

The death of Hector of Troy was one of the most tragic moments in Greek mythology. Hector was the leader of the Trojan defense in the Trojan War, fighting the Achaean invaders for ten years Although he fought bravely, he was defeated by Achilles, the most powerful Greek hero. As a result, when he died, Troy was conquered by the Greeks and the city was destroyed.

Despite the Achilles' victory over Hector His hatred for the death of Patroclus remained, so instead of returning Hector's body to Troy, Achilles planned to destroy it, so the body was tied by the heels with Ajax's belt and fastened to his chariot. For 12 days, Achilles traveled around Troy, pulling Hector's body behind him.

However, Apollo and Aphrodite protected him so that no harm was done. When the news came that Achilles should stop chasing after Hector's body and allow it to be rescued, he had to give in.

Priam left Troy to search for the body of Hector and, with the help of Hermes, went unnoticed until he reached Achilles' tent. The king pleaded with the hero to deliver his son's body to him, and, moved by Priam's words as well as a warning from the gods, Achilles allowed Hector to be returned to his city for the last time.

Summary of the main features of the myth of Hector the Trojan Warrior

Therefore, we can highlight as main characteristics of Hector of Troy :

• courage: he was an exceptionally brave hero, leading the Trojan forces against the Greeks;
• Honor: He was known for his honor and loyalty to Troy, and refused to surrender to the Greek forces, even though he knew he had little chance of survival;
• generosity: he was known for his generosity and compassion;
• Loyalty: he was extremely loyal to Troy, and refused to fight against his own brothers or relatives.
• intelligence: he was recognized for his intelligence and strategic astuteness, being one of the main military leaders in Troy.
• Strength: He was physically very strong, being known as one of the main warriors of Troy.

When studying Greek mythology, we have the opportunity to delve into the history of its characters and this allows us to reflect on topics related to life and human behavior Therefore, if you are interested in topics like this, we invite you to get to know our Training Course in Clinical Psychoanalysis, where you will learn about human behavior from a psychoanalytical perspective.

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