Agamemnon: Because He Can't Stand Achilles

In Greek mythology, Agamemnon is best known as the leader of the Greek army during the Trojan War. However, there is a deeper reason behind his decision to lead the war and it revolves around his disdain for the warrior Achilles.

Achilles, a demigod and one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War, was renowned for his invincibility and unmatched skill on the battlefield. However, alongside his formidable abilities, Achilles possessed a haughty and arrogant demeanor that often clashed with Agamemnon’s own sense of pride and authority.

The rivalry between Agamemnon and Achilles can be traced back to an event that occurred before the Trojan War even began. Agamemnon, as the leader of the Greek forces, had taken a Trojan priest’s daughter, Chryseis, as his own concubine. Her father, a priest of Apollo, pleaded for her return and offered a ransom in return. Agamemnon, consumed by his sense of entitlement, refused the plea.

This blatant disregard for the gods and the priest’s pleas angered Apollo, who subsequently unleashed a devastating plague upon the Greek camp. Realizing the severity of the situation, Agamemnon reluctantly agreed to return Chryseis to her father but demanded Achilles’ prize, Briseis, in return. This act sparked a furious anger within Achilles, igniting an unquenchable rage that would shape the events of the Trojan War.

Agamemnon’s decision not only outraged Achilles but also undermined his status as the greatest warrior among the Greeks. The loss of Briseis was seen as a public humiliation, as it questioned his authority and sense of worthiness. Achilles’ wounded pride forced him to withdraw from the war, as he refused to fight under a leader who had disrespected him so deeply.

Thus, Agamemnon’s motivations for leading the Greek army against Troy were driven by more than just the quest for conquest. It was a personal vendetta against Achilles, fueled by a combination of jealousy, pride, and a desire to assert his authority. Agamemnon wanted to prove that he was the ultimate leader and that Achilles was dispensable.

Throughout the course of the war, Agamemnon’s actions often reflect his inability to stand Achilles. He makes strategic decisions that endanger the lives of his own men, simply to prove a point or to undermine Achilles’ strength. This reckless behavior leads to a string of defeats and setbacks for the Greeks, prolonging the war and causing unnecessary suffering.

However, as the war progresses, Agamemnon realizes the error of his ways. He comes to understand that Achilles’ absence is detrimental to the Greek cause and the ultimate success of their mission. It takes a collective effort and a newfound respect for each other to finally reconcile their differences and work towards a shared goal of victory over Troy.

In conclusion, Agamemnon’s decision to lead the Greek army in the Trojan War was fueled by his deep-rooted animosity towards Achilles. His pride and contempt for the great warrior led to a series of misguided actions and strategic blunders. However, through mutual understanding and the realization of their shared goals, Agamemnon and Achilles eventually put aside their differences to achieve a common triumph.