Achilles vs. Agamemnon — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Achilles, a legendary Greek warrior, embodies unparalleled strength and wrath, while Agamemnon, the Mycenaean king, commands authority and power, but their conflicting pride ignites fierce tension during the Trojan War.
Difference Between Achilles and Agamemnon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Achilles, a Greek hero of the Trojan War, is best known for his martial prowess and near-invulnerability, with the exception of his heel. Agamemnon, on the other hand, leads the Greek forces, wielding significant power as their commander.
Achilles displays unyielding pride and a desire for personal glory on the battlefield, whereas Agamemnon seeks to assert his authority and fulfill his role as the leader of the Greeks, even at the cost of fracturing relationships.
Achilles holds his loyalty to friends like Patroclus and his sense of personal honor in high regard, while Agamemnon prioritizes strategic decisions and the broader objectives of the war effort, even if it means making unpopular choices.
Achilles is motivated by personal vendettas and grudges, particularly against Hector, whereas Agamemnon's actions are more political, shaped by a desire to maintain unity and supremacy among the Greeks.
Achilles values respect and recognition for his contributions to the war, while Agamemnon, with his royal lineage, expects obedience and loyalty from all Greek warriors, creating a contentious relationship between the two.
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Comparison Chart
Role
Greek hero and warrior
King and commander of Greek forces
Motivation
Personal honor and glory
Authority, unity, and political power
Relationship
Close bonds with companions like Patroclus
Distant but authoritative over subordinates
Pride and Conflict
Highly sensitive to slights
Often causes friction with subordinates
Decision-Making
Influenced by emotion and loyalty
Focused on strategy and leadership
Compare with Definitions
Achilles
Greek mythological warrior.
Achilles was unmatched in battle but vulnerable at his heel.
Agamemnon
Greek king and commander.
Agamemnon commanded the Greek forces during the Trojan War.
Achilles
Near-immortal warrior.
Thetis, his mother, made Achilles nearly invincible by dipping him in the River Styx.
Agamemnon
Figure in Greek mythology.
Agamemnon's story is central to the Iliad.
Achilles
Greek soldier.
Achilles led his Myrmidons with unmatched ferocity.
Agamemnon
Mycenaean leader.
Agamemnon's power originated from his rule over Mycenae.
Achilles
Hero of the "Iliad".
The Iliad portrays Achilles as a tragic hero driven by wrath.
Agamemnon
Conflicted leader.
Agamemnon's decisions often led to internal conflict within the Greek camp.
Achilles
Vengeful fighter.
Achilles' wrath was stirred by the death of his companion, Patroclus.
Agamemnon
Brother of Menelaus.
Agamemnon supported his brother in the war against Troy.
Achilles
In Greek mythology, Achilles ( ə-KIL-eez) or Achilleus (Ancient Greek: Ἀχιλλεύς, [a.kʰilˈleu̯s]) was a hero of the Trojan War, the greatest of all the Greek warriors, and is the central character of Homer's Iliad. He was the son of the Nereid Thetis and Peleus, king of Phthia.
Agamemnon
In Greek mythology, Agamemnon (; Greek: Ἀγαμέμνων Agamémnōn) was a king of Mycenae, the son, or grandson, of King Atreus and Queen Aerope, the brother of Menelaus, the husband of Clytemnestra and the father of Iphigenia, Electra or Laodike (Λαοδίκη), Orestes and Chrysothemis. Legends make him the king of Mycenae or Argos, thought to be different names for the same area.
Achilles
The hero of Homer's Iliad, the son of Peleus and Thetis and slayer of Hector.
Agamemnon
The king of Mycenae and leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War, who was the son of Atreus and the father of Orestes, Electra, and Iphigenia. He was killed by his wife Clytemnestra upon his return from Troy.
Achilles
A mythical Greek hero of the Iliad; a foremost Greek warrior at the seige of Troy.
Agamemnon
(Greek mythology) the king who lead the Greeks against Troy in the Trojan War
Achilles
A mythical Greek hero of the Iliad; a foremost Greek warrior at the siege of Troy; when he was a baby his mother tried to make him immortal by bathing him in a magical river but the heel by which she held him remained vulnerable--his `Achilles' heel'
Common Curiosities
Who was Achilles?
Achilles was a Greek hero in the Trojan War, renowned for his combat skills and nearly invincible except for his vulnerable heel.
Why did Achilles and Agamemnon clash?
They clashed over a dispute involving the captive Briseis, which led Achilles to withdraw from battle, undermining Agamemnon's authority.
What ultimately happened to Achilles and Agamemnon?
Achilles was killed near the end of the Trojan War, and Agamemnon was murdered upon returning home due to a domestic conspiracy.
What role did Agamemnon play in the Trojan War?
Agamemnon was the king of Mycenae and the leader of the Greek forces, commanding the Greeks against the Trojans.
How does Achilles' personality differ from Agamemnon's?
Achilles is more focused on personal honor and emotional loyalty, whereas Agamemnon emphasizes authority, political power, and strategic goals.
What was the significance of Achilles' heel?
Achilles' heel was his only vulnerable spot, leading to his death when Paris shot an arrow guided by Apollo, striking him in this location.
What sacrifices did Agamemnon make for the Trojan War?
Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis and obtain favorable winds to sail to Troy.
Why did Agamemnon take Briseis from Achilles?
Agamemnon took Briseis to compensate for losing his own captive, Chryseis, after being forced to return her to end a plague sent by Apollo.
What did Achilles' armor symbolize?
Achilles' armor, crafted by Hephaestus, symbolized his unmatched warrior status and became a coveted prize after his death.
What impact did Achilles' absence from battle have on the Greeks?
Achilles' withdrawal from the Trojan War severely weakened the Greeks, leading to significant losses until he returned to avenge Patroclus.
What was the relationship between Agamemnon and Menelaus?
Agamemnon was Menelaus' older brother and supported him in avenging the abduction of his wife, Helen, which triggered the Trojan War.
How did Agamemnon come to lead the Greek forces?
As the king of Mycenae, Agamemnon was considered the most powerful Greek leader and thus assumed command over the coalition against Troy.
How did Agamemnon's leadership style affect his relationship with Achilles?
Agamemnon's authoritative leadership style clashed with Achilles' pride and sense of autonomy, straining their relationship.
Who were Achilles' most notable allies in the Trojan War?
Achilles' closest allies included his friend Patroclus and his loyal soldiers, the Myrmidons.
Did Achilles have any family involved in the Trojan War?
Achilles was deeply connected to his mother, Thetis, a sea nymph who intervened to protect him and influenced the gods.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
