Achilles and Agamemnon and their Difference

Achilles and Agamemnon are two epic characters. Both the characters have their distinct features and both of them are considered very strong.

Achilles is considered to be the central character of Homer’s Iliad. Achilles has been described as the strongest man and his fathers was god and mother a mortal being. He became almost immortal after he was bathed in Styx River. The only part that could be injured was his heel.

Difference Between Achilles and Agamemnon

Agamemnon was the King of Mycenae and was born of King Atreus of Mycenae and Queen Aerope. Though the two Greek heroes are considered similar, Agamemnon does not have the calibre of Achilles.

Though Agamemnon was the leader of his army, he never took any big risks in the battlefield. On the other hand, he took the credit for everything and always wanted the largest share of the loot. Unlike Agamemnon Achilles is seen to be very noble in his wars.

While Agamemnon does not show any emotions and does not trust his army, Achilles was a character with opposite qualities. Agamemnon was respected by the people but was not liked by them. He was a person who always tried to get something for himself in any given situation.

On the other hand, Achilles shows his emotions. He is depicted as a character who tries to achieve glory in every aspect of his life. He is a person who reacts angrily when he is not able to achieve his goals. He is depicted as a character that cannot control his anger.

The better of the character in the epic poem is Achilles. He always tried to be a good and noble person. On the contrary, Agamemnon was characterised as a horrible person and arrogant. Agamemnon always tried to manipulate the situations and people to best fit his personal benefits.

Another difference that can be seen between the two is in regard to God. While Agamemnon regarded himself as entirely subject to God’s will, Achilles does not regard himself as subject to the Gods.