To Stay or to Flee

In the modern world, a logical argument could be made for both sides equally without any change in judgement of one's character. However, in the age of Greek gods and epic heroes, what else could we expect from Achilles? Even if you had never read The Illiad before, like me, you've probably heard of Achilles and pictured him as this great, noble hero that lives to kick Trojan butt. He couldn't leave, it's in his blood to fight. He wouldn't be Achilles if he didn't fight to the finish. But were his motives for staying and fighting pure or selfish? His motives are not entirely about sacrificing himself for his country, but so that his legacy will live on forever. Or could his reason for staying have more to do with what would happen to him if he didn't stay rather than if he did? He knew he would never amount to anything if he ran from death. He would be miserable If he could not live out his passion anymore. Dr. Mitchell mentioned that this would send Achilles into despair if he were to lead an average life because as Kierkegaard writes,  despair is willing to be oneself. This is why he stays. Not only for the glory, but the loss of glory and loss of purpose.