What Was Hector’s Last Request to Achilles?
The Iliad is a notable literary work by Homer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Iliad.
Answer
What was Hector’s last request to Achilles?
In “The Iliad” (762 BCE), by Homer (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE), Hector is the brave Trojan warrior. Hector’s final moments are both tragic and honourable. When Hector faces Achilles, he knows that he is likely to die. So, Hector made a heartfelt last request.
Achilles’s Challenge for Dual: Hector kills Achilles’ best friend, Patroclus. So Achilles becomes furious and rejoins the battle. He invites Hector in a dual. He says.
I will not stop killing Trojans until . . .
I meet Hector and fight him
man to man, and he kills me or I kill him.
Request for a Proper Burial: Hector faces Achilles on the battlefield. Soon Achiles floors Hector. Then, Hector’s request was for Achilles to treat his body with respect after killing him. He asked Achilles to return his body to his family so they could give him a proper burial. This request shows how much Hector valued honour, even in death.
Achilles’ Refusal: Despite Hector’s sincere request, Achilles harshly rejected it. Driven by anger and the loss of his friend Patroclus, Achilles refused to show mercy. Homer says about him,
Achilles has lost all pity, all sense of shame.
This response highlights how Achilles was blinded by rage and unable to show compassion, even in such a solemn moment.
Hector’s last request reflects his deep sense of honour and the importance of burial rituals in ancient Greek society. However, Achilles’ refusal highlights the depth of his fury and the devastating effects of war. The scene serves as a powerful reminder of the humanity often lost in conflict.