We have read how Cu Chulainn has a strong desire to be a hero and have his name remembered, but we also see his loyalty to Conchobar and Ulster. Knowing this, do you think he is more like Achilles or Hector?
I think that really the only comparision Cu Chulainn has with Achilles is that they both wanted to be remembered. Based more on a moral aspect, I think Cu Chulainn is more like Hector. They were both family men, neither were king but fought for the king, all three were excellent fighters, and Hecotor and Cu Chulainn were both fighting a war that they did not start.
I, too, feel that Cu's best comparison would be to Hector. Cu's battle was one of defense, not offense. In fact, I'd say that the whole concept of honor and glory, while still important, was not nearly as pervasive in the Tain as it was in the Iliad.
I concede to the viewpoints of both Adam and Sarah.
Cuchulainn's similarities with Achilles arise from the fact they are both half-gods and extremely confident in their skills. I feel that is where it ends.
Cuchulainn expresses remorse when his actions cause grief to Ulster, such as when he was with a woman while Queen Medb and her army arrive. He also lacks Achilles overwhelming pride; Cuchulainn willingly yielded to Fergus in their duel knowing that doing so would pay off later. In this respect he is somewhat similiar to Hector, who showed respect to Ajax after their duel. Like Hector, he fought a defensive war out of loyalty to his country. I agree with Adam that honor and glory were less motivating factors for Cuchulainn than his loyalty to Concobar, his king.
I agree with everyone here - I can see both Achilles and Hector in Cuchulainn, but definitely more of Hector's traits.
Yes, Achilles was half-god and unmatched in battle, just like Cuchulainn. And they both sought honor & glory - but for different reasons. Achilles was more personal, while Cuchulainn's was for a love of his fellow Ulstermen and for Ulster, which is similar to Hector. I view Achilles as a whining, spoiled brat who showed no remorse until the very end (with Hector's body). In contrast, Cuchulainn never whined or acted bratty about his situation and showed remorse, not often, but in a few different situations.
I think that really the only comparision Cu Chulainn has with Achilles is that they both wanted to be remembered. Based more on a moral aspect, I think Cu Chulainn is more like Hector. They were both family men, neither were king but fought for the king, all three were excellent fighters, and Hecotor and Cu Chulainn were both fighting a war that they did not start.
ReplyDeleteI, too, feel that Cu's best comparison would be to Hector. Cu's battle was one of defense, not offense. In fact, I'd say that the whole concept of honor and glory, while still important, was not nearly as pervasive in the Tain as it was in the Iliad.
ReplyDeleteI concede to the viewpoints of both Adam and Sarah.
ReplyDeleteCuchulainn's similarities with Achilles arise from the fact they are both half-gods and extremely confident in their skills. I feel that is where it ends.
Cuchulainn expresses remorse when his actions cause grief to Ulster, such as when he was with a woman while Queen Medb and her army arrive. He also lacks Achilles overwhelming pride; Cuchulainn willingly yielded to Fergus in their duel knowing that doing so would pay off later. In this respect he is somewhat similiar to Hector, who showed respect to Ajax after their duel. Like Hector, he fought a defensive war out of loyalty to his country. I agree with Adam that honor and glory were less motivating factors for Cuchulainn than his loyalty to Concobar, his king.
I agree with everyone here - I can see both Achilles and Hector in Cuchulainn, but definitely more of Hector's traits.
ReplyDeleteYes, Achilles was half-god and unmatched in battle, just like Cuchulainn. And they both sought honor & glory - but for different reasons. Achilles was more personal, while Cuchulainn's was for a love of his fellow Ulstermen and for Ulster, which is similar to Hector. I view Achilles as a whining, spoiled brat who showed no remorse until the very end (with Hector's body). In contrast, Cuchulainn never whined or acted bratty about his situation and showed remorse, not often, but in a few different situations.