Hector

In Greek mythology, Hector (/ˈhɛktər/; Ἕκτωρ, Hektōr) is a Trojan prince, hero and the greatest warrior for Troy during the Trojan War. He is a major character in Homer's Iliad, where he leads the Trojans and their allies in the defense of Troy, killing countless Greek warriors. He is ultimately killed in single combat by the Greek hero Achilles, who later drags his dead body around the city of Troy behind his chariot.

Hector is the first-born son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, making him a prince of the royal house and heir to his father's throne. He weds Andromache, who bore him a son, Scamandrius (known to the people of Troy as Astyanax), and according to some accounts, Laodamas.

Throughout the Trojan War, Hector brings glory to the Trojans as their finest fighter. Beloved by his people, he is known for never turning down a fight. The Achaeans both hate and fear him as he turns the tide of battle, breaking down their barriers and slaughtering their troops.

When Hector kills Patroclus, Achilles—who had refused to fight because of a slight by Agamemnon—reenters the war to avenge his friend. Hector's parents plead for him to take shelter within the city walls, but he refuses, wanting to confront Achilles. Achilles chases Hector around Troy three times, with Apollo giving Hector strength to stay ahead. Finally, Athena tricks Hector by taking the guise of his brother Deiphobus, making him believe they could face Achilles together.

Before fighting, Hector proposes that the victor should respect the fallen's body and return it for proper burial. Achilles refuses, stating there is "no love between us. No truce till the other falls and gluts with blood." After a brief battle, Achilles stabs Hector in the throat, killing him. With his dying breath, Hector foretells Achilles' own death at the hands of Paris and Apollo.

Achilles strips Hector's armor and allows the other Greeks to stab his body. He then ties Hector's body by the heels to his chariot and drags it around Troy as the Trojans, especially Andromache, watch in anguish from the walls. This desecration is considered an affront to the gods and ultimately leads to Achilles' downfall.

For twelve days, Achilles continues to abuse Hector's body, dragging it around Patroclus' pyre. However, the gods Aphrodite and Apollo protect the body from dogs, disfigurement, and decomposition until King Priam comes to ransom his son's remains.