Just after killing Hector, Achilles desecrates his body by tying it to his chariot and dragging it back to the Achaean camp.
This act of profound disrespect occurred immediately after Achilles had struck down Prince Hector, the revered leader and hero of the Trojans. The Trojans, witnessing the death of their champion, were then forced to watch as Achilles further dishonored their fallen hero.
Achilles' actions were a deliberate and brutal display of vengeance and humiliation:
- He tied Hector's body to his chariot.
- He then rode off toward the Achaean camp, with Hector's body being dragged behind.
This public display was a significant act of triumph for Achilles, amplifying the defeat and humiliation of the Trojans. It underscored Achilles' intense rage and deep animosity towards Hector, largely fueled by Hector's killing of Patroclus.
Below is a summary of Achilles' immediate actions with Hector's body:
| Action Taken by Achilles | Description / Significance |
|---|---|
| Ties body to chariot | A deliberate act to ensure maximum public humiliation and defilement. |
| Drags body to camp | A public display of vengeance and utter disrespect towards the fallen enemy and their people. |
