An Epic Love

This is the first time I have read The Iliad and I am completely enthralled. This epic is a nice reminder of what literature can be and how literature directly relates to the human experience. Like Dr. Mashburn said, "Great literature always speaks to what it is to be human." The Iliad speaks to humanity on a physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological level. I believe this epic also contains one of the greatest love stories of all time and not because it is a perfect love, but because the love between the two Trojans Hektor and Andromache is real. They do not have a happily ever after, but their love runs much deeper than a fairy tale could imagine.

In book six, Hektor knows that he must fight alongside his fellow warriors against the Achaians. He also knows that he will probably never see his family again because he is fighting a losing battle. So Hektor goes home to see his wife and his son one last time. This scene is where some might say that Hektor chooses battle and glory over his family. That is partly true. But I would argue that he is not abandoning his family. I believe he, being a Trojan and an epic hero, has to fight. Hektor loves his family, but he also love Troy and he knows that means he might have to sacrifice his life and his family in order to defend his home. He knows his fate is grim, yet he chooses to face his fate rather than be a coward and live. He fights for glory, for Troy, and for his family.

One of my most favorite parts of this story is Hektor's last words to Andromache. This is where the real love story comes into play because his words are genuine and loving even though they are painful to hear. Hektor speaks of Andromache grief after he dies: "So will one speak of you; and for you it will be a fresh grief, to be widowed of such a man who could fight off the day of your slavery. But may I be dead and the piled earth hide me under before I hear you crying and know by this that they drag you captive" (lines 461-465). So as Hektor holds his child and kisses his wife goodbye, there is a part of a person's soul that feels their brokenness.

The love between Hektor and Andromache can be nothing less than epic. Their love was real and true. They  did not have a happily every after, but their love will be remembered long after the fairy tales endings are gone.

P.S.- I commented on Rebekah Dye's blog post.