In The 'Iliad' What Was Hectore's Last Request And How Did Achilles Respond?

In Book 22 of the Iliad, Hector is finally cornered by Achilles after trying to escape from him. He is fatally wounded and, knowing himself to be dying, begs Achilles to give his body back to his own people (the Trojans) in particular his father King Priam. He wants his body to receive proper funeral rites and be buried in accordance with local customs.

However, Achilles refuses this request. He is full of hate for Hector, who killed his best friend Patroclus - indeed, Hector is actually wearing the armour which Achilles gave to Patroclus, which seems like an added insult.

After Hector dies, Achilles and his fellow Greeks (Achaeans) attack and insult his corpse. Then Achilles even ties the body to the back of his chariot and drags it around outside the gates of Troy. He keeps it for three days, until finally Priam comes out to plead with him. Achilles is moved by the old king's grief, and gives back the body.

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