Throughout the Iliad, heroic characters make decisions based on a defined set of principles, called a "code of honor." The heroic code that Homer presents to the reader is an underlying cause for many of the events that occur, but many characters have different perceptions as to how much this code should be considered. Hektor, the greatest of the Trojan warriors, begins the poem as the model. of a Homeric hero. His dedication and strict belief in the code of honor is illustrated several times throughout The Iliad. An example of this is presented in the third book of the poem, where Hektor reprimands Paris for refusing to fight. He said to Paris: "Surely now the flowing-haired Achains are laughing at us, thinking that you are our bravest champion, only because you are handsome, but there is neither strength nor courage in your heart" (3:43). Hektor believes that it is against the heroic code to refrain from fighting when his fellow men are on the battlefield. Hektor faces a moral dilemma when dealing with Paris. By being Paris's brother, Hektor is supposed to protect and honor her decisions, but he feels that Paris is wrong in her actions and feels it necessary to let her know. Another place where we see Hektor's strict belief in the code of honor. in the events that unfold upon his return home in the sixth book. Hector returns to Troy to have the queen and the other women make a sacrifice to Athena, hoping that she will help the Trojans in the war. After organizing this act, he goes to Paris, intending to convince him to fight. Visibly upset, Hektor scolds Paris, telling him that "people are dying around the city and around...... middle of paper...... to keep their people and their horses away, so that we cannot be crushed under the attack of these proud Trojans” (7:341). Nestor realizes that the Trojans have the upper hand and does not want the Greeks to lose without putting up a respectable fight. He believes that he should turn around and leave. would be a great dishonor to the Greeks and does all in his power to keep them in battle Nestor's advice, finally, challenges the Achaeans to live up to the honorable precedent set by the fallen heroes of the. book The characters in The Iliad base many of their actions on the code of honor Warriors believe that the most dishonorable thing one can do is to refrain from fighting with their fellow soldiers. that Achilleus disagrees. Although a "code of honor" is present in the Iliad, many characters interpret and maintain it in different ways...