Achilles is moved by Priam's gesture: because he cries

In the epic tale of “The Iliad” by Homer, one of the most moving and significant moments takes place when Achilles, the mighty Greek warrior, is deeply touched by the grief-stricken Priam, the elderly king of Troy. The momentous event occurs during the Trojan War, a conflict created by the wrath of Achilles and his thirst for vengeance after the death of his dear friend Patroclus. However, it is not through violence or revenge that Achilles experiences a profound transformation, but rather through a display of genuine and raw emotion: he cries.

Throughout the epic, Achilles is depicted as a stoic and fearsome warrior, considered invincible on the battlefield. His prowess and invulnerability make him a formidable opponent, feared and respected by all. However, beneath his hardened exterior lies a man plagued by inner turmoil and suffering. The death of Patroclus, caused by Hector, the Trojan prince, brings Achilles to the edge of madness. Consumed by grief and anger, he vows to avenge his friend’s death by killing Hector.

In this context, Priam, the father of Hector, is described as a desperate and grieving father, willing to do anything to retrieve his son’s body for a proper burial. With the assistance of Zeus, the king of gods, Priam secretly enters the Greek camp, seeking an audience with Achilles. Expecting hostility and defiance, Priam is prepared to beg and offer a substantial ransom for Hector’s body. What unfolds is a heart-wrenching encounter that transcends boundaries of hatred and enmity.

As Priam pleads for his son’s remains, he is unexpectedly met with empathy from Achilles. A deeply human side of Achilles emerges as he envisions his own father mourning for him, had he succumbed to the perils of war. Priam’s words remind Achilles of his own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. This realization breaks down the barriers of rage and instills a deep sense of compassion within Achilles. Witnessing the pain of a grieving father, he is moved to tears.

Achilles weeps not only for Priam’s loss but also for the collective suffering caused by the war. His tears are not only a symbol of his newly found empathy, but a recognition of the common thread that binds all humans – the ability to love, grieve, and be moved by the pain of others. It is through this shared experience of sorrow that Achilles finds solace and identifies with Priam’s agony.

In this powerful scene, the author highlights the vulnerability and emotional depth of Achilles. It reinforces the notion that displays of emotion do not make one weak but rather demonstrate their humanity and strength of character. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that violence and vengeance do not hold the answers to healing the wounds of war. Instead, it is through understanding, empathy, and compassion that lasting reconciliation can occur.

Achilles’ transformation through tears not only marks a pivotal moment in the epic but also serves as a timeless reminder of the power of empathy and compassion. In the face of grief, anger, and conflict, it is our ability to connect with the pain of others that holds the potential for healing and reconciliation. By shedding tears alongside Priam, Achilles proves that even the mightiest warriors can be moved by the gestures of humility, ultimately paving the way for the path to forgiveness and redemption.