In the world of Greek heroes, there are no unspoiled souls, but many
             great men; Homer's two works, the Iliad and the Odyssey, both tell the
             story of war heroes whose personal flaws create overwhelming chaos and
             memorable plots. The three Greek heroes of the Trojan War are Achilles the
             (almost) invulnerable, Agamemnon the prideful commander, and Odysseus the
             trickster; they are all typified by womanizing, anger and murderous rage,
             and not infrequent disloyalty or dishonesty. Even Hector, who is described
             by one modern bard as the one who was "The greatest of the Trojans, our
             champion, the warrior that stood and fought for us all, for home, for
             country, for family," (Rogue) is shown in moments of extreme cowardice. In
             some ways, these books can be read it seems as a critique of the values of
             war and heroism -- and yet at the same time, Homer treats each of these
             heroes as innately sympathetic and honorable even in their foibles.
             Arguably the greatest hero in the Iliad is Achilles, "the greatest
             warrior of the Ageans, born of a god..." (Rogue) Yet despite his role as
             the central hero, and the only one capable of defeating the Trojan
             champions or turning the tide of the city's assaults, it is his childish
             temper tantrums which cause the death of his best friend of many of his
             army mates, and dishonor the memory of his Trojan equal, Hector. "Sing, O
             goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills
             upon the Achaeans" (Homer) read the opening lines of the Iliad, and indeed
             all the tragedies of the story can seen to spring directly from Achilles'
             rage. This terrible rage springs first from the insult to his honor when
             Agammemnon takes his captive slave girl from him, so that he can no longer
             rape her at will. "Agamemnon," he cries, "has done me dishonour" (Homer)
             For this reason, he turns against his fellows and prays for the Trojans,
             which leads to the death of his friend. The...