As the intensifying war between the Greeks and the Trojans continues, and as the Trojans take the advantage on the fight back, the Achaeans really need the presence of the great Achilles. They need his valor; they need his audacity; they need him.

But the great Achilles still refused to join the battles, not because of his hard feelings for Agamemnon, but because he wants to stick to his vow not to help the Achaean army in fighting the Trojans. He knows that the Greeks need him already. Many callings are already sent to him for help, even from his cousin and best companion, Patroclos. He is unmovable. However, with one request he agreed –that is to let Patroclos fight and wear his armor in the battle to strike and scare the Trojan troops of Achilles’ presence. He agreed at a condition that Patroclos fights only for the sake of saving the Greek ships and nothing more.

This story goes to show Achilles’ effort and concern for his team, his troop, his family, his Greek Army. Though he does not join the fight between the two warring cities, he reaches out his help by letting his spirit go through the battle through his armor. Through this decision, the Trojan will lose hope in winning, or be scared in fighting for they will think that the greatest warrior is already in the battlefield. He knows that his people believe in him and that they need him; but he cannot do anything more than letting others wear his armor.

Achilles is also a man with a carefully decided plot. He wants his plan to be safe for his people. He had a deal with Patroclos that he is just able to fight in the battle to defend the ships. He is worried about his cousin’s fate. He doesn’t want to lose Patroclos in the war.

Achilles is really a concerned man and a trust worthy warrior. He still sends help, though not fully shown in his motive. It is one example of a good leadership that he has shown – being there to help his people though it is hard to be in his position. It was like he is in between two hitting stones – one is his concern and help for his people, and the other is his vow and promise not to interfere with the war. It was a great decision he made to deal with his contrasting problems. Though, it could have been better if Achilles lowered his pride and helped personally. With this, Patroclos could have not died.

In a more modern setting, many leaders have been as sacrificial and as wise as Achilles. Leaders of a small number to the biggest of locations have been like Achilles – not appreciated at times, but do the best for the welfare of the people surrounding them. Some leaders are President Gloria Arroyo who has been continuing her role in the country even though many controversies and issues are following her; and the late Ninoy Aquino who courageously fought the intolerable government and offered his life for the Filipino people.

photo credits: deviantart.com

Helen - a face that launched a thousand ships, the lady behind the most famous war in history, the woman who caused the battle between two strong cities – Troy and Achaea. She is just the reason why a great duel happened between the two warring cities.

Paris, having been given the prettiest woman by goddess Aphrodite, took Helen to Troy, his father’s land. On the other side of the story, Menelaus came searching for his wife and planned to get her back. Together with his army, they marched down to Troy. Paris then challenged anyone of them to a duel, and whoever wins will get Helen.

For me, winning the fight will not tell who the mightier or the nobler man but being who he is and living on what he believes makes him a real man. Everything that triggered what happened was planned by neither of the two parties. It was neither their fault if the gods have to choose Helen to be the “prize” for Paris, nor their fault if they fought for one beautiful lady.

Both Paris and Menelaus showed their nobleness in the story (Books 1-5 of Iliad). They have the courage to stand, the strength to talk, and the will to fight. They never lose the guts in maintaining the dignity in their names. Both of them showed their skills not only in fighting for Helen but also in defending their established popularity in strength.

For me, both showed equal honor and nobility. Paris, being a man of great prowess, never let anyone belittle him. His brother, Hector, insults him as to being a coward, and because of that, he showed his strength. He offered a fight to Menelaus. On the other hand, Menelaus had also been very dignified. He never gave up on getting back his Helen. He also accepted the fight offered to him by Paris, and he fought with his great strength. If the fight was just not played by other gods, it would have been better. They would have both showed everything that they have, excluding the help that the gods offered them during the fight.

With the characteristics of the two characters, I saw the image of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Despite the problems in our country and the unlawful acts done by the Spaniards, he still continues to aim for the good. He still chose to go and dream for a better future. He accepted every trial and hardships given to him. And he never stopped believing on the power of his own Filipinos. He never stopped dreaming.

If we could just all be like them, noble and great, we can still uplift our well-loved land. If we could just be like them, our dreams will come into a reality. It is not late to start now to make a big change.