Hector
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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In Greek mythology Hector is a Trojan prince and the greatest fighter for Troy in the Trojan War. He is the son of Priam and Hecuba, a descendant of Dardanus, who lived under Mount Ida, and of Tros, the founder of Troy. He acts as leader of the Trojans and their allies in the defense of Troy. In the European Middle Ages, Hector figures as one of the Nine Worthies noted by Jacques de Longuyon, known not only for his courage but also for his noble and courtly nature. Indeed Homer places Hector as the very noblest of all the heroes in the Iliad: he is both peace-loving and brave, thoughtful as well as bold, a good son, husband and father, and totally without darker motives.
Later treatments
- In Dante's Inferno, Hector and his family are placed in Limbo, the outer circle wherein the virtuous non-Christians dwell.
- Roland's sword in early 12th century French poem Song of Roland, was named Durendal. According to Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso it once belonged to Hector of Troy, and was given to Roland by Malagigi (Maugris).
- In William Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, Hector's death is used to mark the conclusion of the play. His nobility is shown in stark contrast to the deceit and pridefulness of the Greeks, especially Achilles.
- Hector is given his heraldry of a seated lion holding a sword in the Enfances Hector of the early 14th century.
- Hector is commemorated as the face of the Jack of diamonds in French playing cards.
Film and television
Hector has been portrayed by a variety of actors in numerous films, including the following:
- Harry Andrews in Helen of Troy (1956)
- Jacques Bergerac in The Fury of Achilles (1962)
- Daniel Lapaine in Helen of Troy (2003)
- Eric Bana in Troy (2004)
See also
