A Lion's Heart

Achilles is a son to King Peleus and Thetis. He is a cousin to Patroclus. He is invincible, immortal and thirsts for great glory.
As a warrior, Achilles is brutal and merciless. He fears no one even the gods. When Patroclus was killed by Hector, who thought that it was him, Achilles revenged the death of his cousin knowing that if he kills Hector, his fate is to die. At that moment, he is unstoppable. This shows his anger and thirst for revenge and GLORY. As Hector and him fights, Hector never misses his target but Achilles seems to be INVINCIBLE, it’s because of the armor made by Hephaestus, these lines will prove it:

Achilles attacked as well, heart full of savage anger,
covering his chest with that richly decorated shield,
his shining four-ridge helmet nodding on his head,
the golden plumes Hephaestus had set there. (22.405-408.229)

And no doubt, He won the battle against Hector. Over dead Hector, godlike Achilles cried out:

Die there!
As for my own death, I accept
whenever Zeus and the immortal gods
see fit to bring it to me (22.474-477.231)

These show why he is merciless. He just let Hector die and as he say these words…

He cut through the tendons behind both feet, from heel to ankle,
threaded them with ox-hide thongs, and then tied these
onto his chariot, leaving the head to drag behind.
He climbed up into his chariot, brought on the splendid armour,
then lashed his horses. (22.513-518.231)

Again, these proves that he is merciless, at the same time, showing his brutality.

Achilles shows brutality, merciless and dauntless acts which causes everyone to fear him. But for me, he is really a great and courageous warrior because, even though he knew that he will die if he’ll kill Hector, he still didn’t’ abstain from the bloody battle that will take place. :)))

Teodora Alonzo: Patriotic, Wife, a Hero

When offered pension by the US government, she said

"The Rizals offer their lives to their mother country because of their inherent patriotism and not because of money"

A man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities are some characteristics of a hero, But really, Is there a need for us to have a hero in today’s society? In my opinion, I must say YES! If one will just be vigilant of what is happening around, children needs an epitome that will guide them to the right path, for the next generation will reap what they sown.

Being a hero doesn’t really mean that you have to be a man, sometimes, it can be the opposite gender. A good example of a Filipina hero would be Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonzo. As a wife, she wished only the best for her children, she sent them to school for a brighter future. But life is just too cruel. During those times, the Philippines was conquered by the Spaniards. Teodora was one of the many Filipinos who suffered inferior to them. They accused her of false charges. The Spaniards put her to jail in spite of her innocence. Knowing that the Spaniards were after Rizal, Teodora didn’t stop her son. But instead, she became Rizal’s inspiration to continue his cause for freedom. In 1891, Teodora joined her son and kept a house in Dapitan where RIzal was in exiled. After Rizal was made a national hero, the legislature of the Philippines offered her a lifetime pension as a token of gratitude which she respectfully refused.

A hero for me doesn’t mean you have to be physically strong. In my opinion, for someone to be a hero, he or she must set a good example to others. One must help the needy, must know how to fight for his right as a human. Teodora Alonzo, though a woman, fight for her own family. And in times of plight, instead of being quiet, she inspired other people to continue what they know is right for the better of the country. So, does your “hero” helped today’s society? Or is he or she really a hero? If you do not know the answer….better start thinking. :))