King's Selection

 

Reading books 9-11 of the epic Iliad, I notice that King Agamemnon realizes that insulting the greatest warrior of his camp was a foolish act of his. After realizing his foolishness, Agamemnon offered the greatest warrior of Sparta and the king of myrmidons, Achilles. Agamemnon offered treasures, his own daughters, and seven of his citadels if Achilles returns to the war and side with Agamemnon. But, Achilles rejects the offer because he knew his destiny if he return to the war, Achilles rejects the offer because if he fight, he may have obtain a greater glory but he will have a short life, So Achilles choose to reject the offer and stay in his encampment and have a longer life. Achilles also knew that his prize, Briseis, is missing in the offer. The missing offer has lessened the chance of Agamemnon to convince Achilles to rejoin the battle.

 In my opinion, Achilles decision to reject the offer is the right thing for him. I describe his decision as a wise decision and a very intellectual choice.  The ff. answers why Achilles decision is right and wise:

·         Achilles wants to live a longer life.

·         Achilles “prize”, Briseis, is not included in the offer

·         Since his “very prize” is not included in the offer, why should Achilles accept the offer?

·         Disrespecting and stealing your greatest warrior’s belongings or property is not a good thing while having a war.

·         A great king like Achilles have a high pride in himself, So Agamemnon must know that Achilles is worth more than his offerings.

Achilles decision is appropriate because he have a reason, a reason to reject the offer. Achilles decision warns the other kings that He is not an ordinary king. Achilles is a king who has a high pride on himself, as a king should be. Because he is a king and the greatest warrior, He has the right to make choices for his own destiny. Yes, his decision is somewhat wrong because he didn’t think the sufferings of his people, But he have a point, because of his rejection to Agamemnon’s offerings, Achilles made Agamemnon realize that Agamemnon’s foolishness to his people is wrong and unfair. A King should not underestimate his warrior and allied kings for his own purposes and reign, because in the end, He might need the aid of that Ally. In these Chapters, Achilles shows that his life is not even worth Agamemnon’s offerings. Achilles shows Agamemnon who’s the real king and he should not mess with him.