The ineluctable fate is well known in most of literature.

In this old text, The Iliad written by Homer also addresses the particular topic.

In the book Ⅸ, Achilles refuses to re-join the war between Greek and Trojan due to several reasons and he does not want to fight for the glory and honor of being a Greek. Therefore, he had no reason to fight with the Trojan.  Moreover, Achilles knows that he would face his dark death which is his fate if he participate the war. Therefore, he refuses to re-join the war against his own fate.

In addition Achilles underestimates Hector’s honor which is his priority of war. Achilles assumes that “Hector wouldn’t come out farther from his wall than the oak tree by the Western Gate.”(Homer Ⅸ. 363-364).     As the result of Achilles’ absence in the war and underestimation of Hector, Achilles’ beloved friend Patroclus faces his death by Hector who is fighting for his glory and honor, so Achilles re-joins the war with his rage which is the reason of participating his last war and dies.

Hector also knows that he would face death if he defeats Patroclus because the greatest hero, Achilles would chase him down. However, he did not deny his fate even after his parents’ persuasion.  “Now what? If I take cover inside, …. I’ll be much better off facing Achilles, either killing him or dying honorably before the city.”(Homer. XXII. 115-125). At the end of his fight, he is defeated by furious Achilles.

The two heroic characters face their fates differently. Hector chooses to die for his honor and reputation while Achilles choose to fight for Patroclus.  Achilles seems like he is a individualist and selfish because he only cares about his own personal life and feeling towards the war and Hector seems more heroic to the public in Iliad.