Hector and Andromache from Book 6 of The Iliad

Summary

In this poignant moment from the Iliad, Hector searches for his wife Andromache, only to find her at the city walls with their son, fearing his fate in the war. Andromache pleads with Hector to stay and protect his family, recalling her own tragic losses. However, Hector, bound by duty and honor, refuses to hide from battle. Despite the looming fate of Troy’s fall, he prays for their son’s future greatness. The scene highlights both Hector's love for his family and his unwavering commitment to his role as a warrior.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ Hector returns home but cannot find his wife, Andromache, who has gone to the battlements with their son in distress.
• 😢 Andromache is deeply worried about Hector, fearing his death and the sorrow it would bring to her and their son.
• 👶 Their son, called Scamandrius by Hector but known as Astyanax by others, symbolizes Hector’s protection of Troy.
• 🏰 Andromache urges Hector to stay at the battlements instead of going into battle, pointing out a vulnerable section of the city's wall.
• 💔 She recalls the deaths of her family at the hands of Achilles, including her father and seven brothers, highlighting the pain war has already caused her.
• 👩‍❤️‍👨 Andromache pleads with Hector not to make her a widow and their son an orphan, expressing deep emotional dependence on him.
• 🛡️ Hector, though moved by her plea, feels compelled to fight, as he cannot bear the shame of hiding from battle.
• 🏹 He acknowledges that Troy will eventually fall, but he is most concerned about Andromache’s fate if she is captured and enslaved.
• 🤲 Hector prays that their son will grow up to be a stronger and more respected leader than himself, bringing pride to the family.
• 🙏 Despite their emotional exchange, Hector tells Andromache to return to her duties, reaffirming that war is his responsibility and fate is inevitable.

Q & A

Who is Hector searching for at the beginning of the script?

Hector is searching for his wife, Andromache, who is not at home when he arrives.

Where had Andromache gone when Hector arrived at their house?

Andromache had gone to the battlements with her son and a companion, in distress over the news that the Greeks had won a great victory.

What does the housemaid tell Hector about Andromache's whereabouts?

The housemaid tells Hector that Andromache went to the battlements after hearing that the Greeks were pressing hard and that the nurse had followed with their son.

How does Andromache react when she meets Hector at the Scaean Gate?

Andromache runs to Hector, weeping, and expresses her deep concern for his safety, begging him to stay and protect their family.

What does Andromache fear will happen to Hector if he continues to fight?

Andromache fears that Hector will be killed by the Achaeans, leaving her a widow and their son fatherless. She also fears her own enslavement if Troy falls.

What personal tragedies does Andromache recount to Hector?

Andromache recounts how Achilles killed her father and seven brothers and took her mother as a prisoner, who was later killed by Artemis.

What does Hector say about his own sense of duty and the fate of Troy?

Hector admits he knows that Troy will eventually fall, but says he cannot shirk his duty and hide from battle because it would bring him shame. He strives for glory and honor in battle.

How does Hector view the possibility of Andromache’s future after his death?

Hector imagines Andromache being taken as a slave in Argos, lamenting his absence and sorrowing for her lost freedom.

Why does Hector's son, Astyanax, cry when Hector tries to embrace him?

Astyanax is frightened by the sight of Hector's bronze helmet and horsehair crest, which seems intimidating to the child.

What prayer does Hector offer for his son, Astyanax?

Hector prays to Zeus and the gods that Astyanax will grow to be a mighty warrior, stronger than Hector himself, and bring honor to his family by winning battles and returning victorious.

What advice does Hector give Andromache before departing?

Hector tells Andromache not to grieve too deeply and to focus on her domestic duties, saying that war is a man’s responsibility and his above all.