What a Classic!

Iliad Book 6: Duty, Honour, and Hector’s Farewell


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In this emotionally charged episode of What a Classic!, we journey through Book 6 of Homer’s Iliad, where we witness the personal moments that punctuate the ongoing war.

As the battle rages on, we take a deeper look into the heroic but tragic lives of key warriors like Hector, who faces both the heat of combat and the tender bonds of family. In this episode, Hector speaks to his wife Andromache, knowing the grim fate that may await him, and he makes a heartbreaking decision about his legacy. 

But the story is not just about warriors. As the gods watch from above, their involvement in mortal affairs shapes the events of the battlefield. The episode asks important questions about heroism, fate, and the personal costs of kleos (glory), especially as we explore the balance between honour on the field and the loss of loved ones left behind. 

Key questions include: 

    • What does Hector’s relationship with Andromache reveal about the cost of war?
    • How does Hector reconcile his love for his family with his duty to Troy? 
    • What significance lies in Hector and Paris fighting together?
    • How does Homer use Hector’s interactions with his family to deepen the emotional impact of the story? 


  • Join us as we unravel the poignant moments and devastating choices that make Book 6 of the Iliad one of the most heart-wrenching chapters in this epic saga. 

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    What a Classic!By What a Classic!