The Ancient World was always an important literature field depicting mythological heroes and events. It was the ancient literature that became an important heritage of Europe. A deep implication is often hidden in every work. Gods, demi-gods, strong warriors were the main characters highlighted in the ancient literature. For example, Homer's Iliad and Euripides' Medea possess some bright and memorable heroes that should be singled out. Thus, let us take a look at the major characters of the above mentioned works.
Being a protagonist of Homer's Iliad, harsh and unforgiving warrior Achilles is one of the most complex characters throughout the ancient literature. Myths say that Achilles was predicted death in the battle of the arrow shot by the enemy. In an effort to save his son and make his body invulnerable, Thetis held the baby over the fire, plunged into the waters of the Styx, the river of the underworld.
At the same time, she held Achilles by the heel, which remained his only vulnerable spot. The image of Achilles includes the typical features of the mythological epic hero, a brave warrior. In his system of values it is the most important thing to get the military honor. He is proud, ambitious and quick-tempered. He has been involved in the war in order to bring back Menelaus's wife Helen (who was stolen by Paris) and glorify his own name. Achilles craves more and more new feats, which will strengthen his glory as an invincible warrior. Homer also awarded Achilles with soft and delicate features that could not be forgotten in his characterization. On the one hand, he is angry, quick-tempered, vindictive, ruthless in war, but on the other hand, he is religious, restrained, as well as a loving son. This antithesis is appeared to be the brightest characteristic feature of Achilles. He knows that he does not return from Troy, and nevertheless, he chooses to participate in a difficult and dangerous trek. Thus, the sense of his life is risk. Achilles despises a quiet life at home and prefers death in a battle.
Another character of Homer's Iliad is Hector, a leader of the Trojan forces. Like Achilles, in all his actions Hector is guided by the military honor, but at the same time he recognizes the responsibility to his own people, whose interests he must defend. He is not afraid to admit his military mistakes and covers them by his heroism. This warrior is an ardent patriot and a fearless soldier, who is naïve, indecisive, and not always a successful commander. Hector is too arrogant and boastful, but at the same time he is a gentle family man. Blazing passion for military exploits and not taking into account all predictions, he put his troops against Achilles and led them to Troy. He is a hero, who lost absolutely everything, in particular, his home, family and life.
Medea is the main character of Euripides' tragedy Medea. In Greek mythology, Medea is a sorceress, as well as a daughter of the king of Colchis. She helped Jason and the Argonauts to get the Golden Fleece, and then fled with them and became the wife of Jason. The main trait of Medea's character is her passionate temperament that makes all her senses excessive. Medea is an antipode to the egoist Jason. In her heart love to children was faced with hatred to the betrayed husband and her desire of revenge. The original location of Medea was the position of victim. She is passive, misery piled on her one after another and she does not know how to oppose it. However, the strength of Medea’s response action gradually increases. In the soul of the heroine there are no permanent ethical norms, the source of the conflict is a tragedy in herself. Charges against Medea are valid, because her cruelty knows no limits, but all the Medea’s arguments also seem to be plausible.
Jason is the son of Eson, the King of Yolk, a town in the Peloponnese. Jason regains his throne with the help of Medea and the Argonauts, and escapes to Corinth. At the new place the character of Jason has been dramatically changed. Unfortunately, Jason did not realize what kind of woman he betrayed, and he has paid for this. On the part of Jason it was a marriage of convenience, that is why it was so easy for him to abandon Medea and children for the sake of the throne of Corinth. So, it may be seen that Jason is really a two-faced and unreliable person who always tries to make profit only for himself.
Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it may be said that all characters are connected with each other. Their fates were predetermined in advance. The tragic situations have only worsened their temper. As a conclusion it may be said that these works are very instructive, and one could learn from the mistakes of these characters. They depict traits that should be eradicated in people for the sake of others.
