I am delighted to read The Iliad, the significant piece of literature, and one of the famous heroic epic written by Homer.

               Not only is the beauty pushing Paris and the stallion into arrogance, but also the easy and pleasant life. Both of them are coddled throughout the life by destiny and others; as the stallion is “fed on clover and barley,” so does Paris live in a nice house in ease and prosperity (157). Even though, Paris has some responsibilities and duties, he would be happier if he could live in a complete freedom with no boundaries; the stallion also gallops to “bathe as he would daily in the river—glorying in freedom!” (157). This very vivid image suggests that the stallion is not a war horse and not a working one either; he is full of strength, and he is not overworked or overridden, as Paris is also well rested, and finally with all his strength is ready for battle.

               Even though, Paris is now determined to run to the battle, he does it in his own arrogant way. The arrogance is evident in every move of Paris and the stallion as well; Paris runs through Troy “sure-footed with long strides,” as the stallion “canter down a field” (157). Both they are confident of their own actions, and, loving freedom as they do, they are led to action mainly by their own desires and wishes. The stallion, “thundering in a stall,” breaks the holding him rope and runs to his flock, and there is no rope to stop him; Paris runs to the battle when he wishes, but not at the time when everybody else goes, and nobody can put him to shame (157). Now the stallion flies like a wind to the haunts, to the horses, and Paris is speeding rapidly to his fellow troops.

              In order for the readers to better understand the insignificant scene of Paris rushing to the battle, Homer uses a parallel with the stallion.  Homer masterfully turns an event of little importance into engaging and dynamic scene; through animal he reveals the feelings and state of mind of the character. Homer’s comparison of the “mettlesome” stallion makes clearer that Paris is also impatient and determined to reach the battle; no matter how comfortably he is living, no matter how arrogant he can be, Paris is still a Trojan warrior, and he is willing to fight for his city (157). Still, Paris is beautiful and is gleaming like sunlight in his armor, even if he is going to the war, and even if this armor soon will be dyed in a deadly red color.