Why Achilles Has Such Disdain For Agamemnon As King

In the legendary epic poem, the Iliad, by Homer, a major conflict arises between the mighty warriors Achilles and Agamemnon. At the heart of this conflict lies Achilles’ deep disdain for Agamemnon as the king of the Greeks. Achilles’ feelings of resentment and contempt towards Agamemnon are rooted in various factors, including personal pride, disrespect toward his authority, and the perceived injustice of Agamemnon’s actions.

First and foremost, Achilles, known for his exceptional skills as a warrior, is driven by an immense sense of personal pride. He constantly seeks honor and recognition from his peers. However, when Agamemnon dishonors him by taking away his war prize, the Trojan princess Briseis, Achilles feels degraded and humiliated. This act challenges his status as the greatest warrior among the Greeks, which deeply wounds his pride. Achilles’ disdain for Agamemnon is fueled by the belief that Agamemnon’s actions question his honor and diminishes his heroic reputation.

Moreover, Agamemnon’s disrespect towards Achilles’ authority adds fuel to the growing disdain. As the leader of the Greek army, Achilles expects to be treated with respect and given due consideration for his contributions. Yet, Agamemnon disregards Achilles’ advice and dismisses his concerns. This not only highlights a lack of regard for Achilles as a respected warrior but also undermines his authority within the Greek army. Achilles’ disdain for Agamemnon intensifies as he perceives this defiance as a personal insult and a disregard for his contributions to the war effort.

Furthermore, Achilles’ animosity towards Agamemnon as a king is fueled by the perceived injustice of his actions. Achilles sees Agamemnon as an unjust ruler who prioritizes his own interests over the welfare of his subjects. When Agamemnon demands Achilles’ war prize, he infringes upon the codes of honor that permeate Greek society. This perceived act of injustice from a king infuriates Achilles, as it betrays the fundamental principles of leadership and fairness. His disdain for Agamemnon as a king grows stronger as he perceives him as a selfish and unjust ruler who fails to uphold his responsibilities to his people.

Achilles’ intense disdain toward Agamemnon as king has far-reaching consequences in the Iliad. His anger and withdrawal from the battlefield play a crucial role in the Greek army’s subsequent struggles and defeats. Achilles’ unwillingness to fight against the Trojans without proper recognition and respect highlights the destructive power of his disdain for Agamemnon. This conflict not only impacts the overall outcome of the Trojan War but also emphasizes the importance of leadership, respect, and justice within a society.

In conclusion, Achilles’ disdain for Agamemnon as king is a result of personal pride, disrespect towards his authority, and the perceived injustice of Agamemnon’s actions. Achilles’ pride and need for recognition are wounded when Agamemnon dishonors him by taking away his war prize. Agamemnon’s disregard for Achilles’ authority further fuels his disdain, while his perceived unjust actions cement his belief that Agamemnon is an unfit ruler. The consequences of this disdain reverberate throughout the epic, highlighting the significance of leadership and justice in society.