The kλέος of Achilleus

Nine years following the beginning of the great Trojan war, I have found myself attentive to the happenings of the Achaeans following a capture of two beautiful and sought-after maidens by the names of Chryseis and Briseis. With a plague enacted by the wrath of Apollo via Chryses' request,  crippling the Achaean soldiers, I watch as Agamemnon becomes enraged by the ill will summoned by Apollo. Agamemnon negotiates reunification of Chryseis and her father under the condition that Briseis is surrendered as compensation. Achilleus agrees, but he will only do so following the sack of Troy. Unsatisfied with his  response, Agamemnon immaturely threatens to steal another woman as prize from the Greeks. Upon hearing this, Achilleus insults Agamemnon, spewing threats of withdraw from battle. As Agamemnon threatens this outcome once more, Achilleus stands to draw his weapon. With the encouragement from fellow goddess Hera I am prompted to intervene. Rich in wisdom and resolution, I advise Achilles to recount his anger and abstain from physical altercation, instead manifesting such attacks in a linguistic fashion. "Come then, do not take your sword in your hand, keep clear of fighting, though indeed with words you may abuse him, and it will be that way. And this also will I tell you and it will be a thing accomplished. Some day three times over such shining gifts shall be given to you by reason of this outrage. Hold your hand then, and obey us." Lattimore, R. (1951). Achilleus listens to my words and responses to Agamemnon will a pledge to abstain from battle with the intention that doing so will highlight his grandiose contribution and importance to the Achaean army.

After the exchange of the two maidens was laid, I watch as Achilleus and his mother, Thetis, converse, with Achilleus explaining the extend of his interpreted dishonor. He pleads with his mother to enact good fortune over the Trojans, prompting them to gain an upper hand in battle and thus illustrate Achilleus' importance. Zeus abides this request simply because he happens to owe Thetis a favor. How convenient. 

The μῆνις of Achilleus during these events is both stirring and impressive. It is so significant that it alone appears to be the subject of focus within the eyes of many Gods, who watch in bemusement contemplative of its consequences, for this μῆνις is a characteristic primarily reserved for us Gods. I see it fitting, however, that Achilleus possesses this godlike trait, for he is ἄριστος of the warriors. Being ἄριστος, however, has it's consequences. Although it is most important for mortals to be competitive in nature and ever-striving toward perfection, doing so creates many chances for pain and sorrow. This sorrow manifests in kλέος, and no mortal can ever get enough, for glory is the most fitting prize to a soldier. Eager to see the kλέος of Achilleus play out in battle, I stand positioned for aid on behalf of the Trojans.