Glory is the greatest currency a warrior can earn. It is the difference between dying poor, disrespected, and unknown, and dying in wealthy glory to be remembered through song and legend. He may gain glory by acting in honorable ways according to his society, usually in terms of battle. He must fight honorably and know his place in society. If he follows the rules of his society, he may gain great amounts of wealth and land. He may even become the ruler over a locale back home.

How to be an honorable soldier:

• Engaged combat. A good soldier always faces his opponent head on with a sword and shield or spear, and usually with one or two javelins.
• "First one over the wall." If a soldier is in the first wave of attacks in battle, he is more likely to be seen by everyone, but also more likely to fall. If he survives, there is no question that he fought vigorously.
• Respect. Kill your opponent efficiently, but do not linger on it. Once he is dead, allow his people to take his body back for burial. 
• Face your hora. A truly mighty soldier is able to look his fate and death head on and pursue it.
• Obey your superiors. Men gain authority because of the honor they gained from their peers, and their position as rulers. A good soldier must honor the structure of the hierarchy.

How to be a dishonorable soldier:

• Disengaged combat. A weak soldier and cowardly man attacks his opponent from a distance, too afraid to fair off like men. He will use a bow and arrow as his main weapon.
• Gathering in the back. If a soldier stays in the back of the hoard during battle, few people may see him and they may question whether he was truly involved at all.
• Cruelty. Enjoying the slaughter of your opponent to the point of excess shows a lack of discipline. A dishonorable soldier will ignore the cultural rules on how to treat the dead, and he may torture the body to the point of disrespect.
• Run away. Only a coward sees his death and runs. He may run from an opponent equal or lesser to him in skill.
• Mock your superiors. A bad soldier will berate and assault men who are better than they are. He has no respect for the structure of his society and may receive public beatings or banishment.

If a soldier follows the structure of his society according to honor and dishonor, he is considered to be a good man and worthy of any benefit he receives. 'Goodness' has little to do with whether he does the right thing or not.

Living With Honor versus Dishonor

This chart explains the implications of a warrior gaining honor versus dishonor. The two concepts can be the difference between life and death. An honorable person has renown, friends, and wealth. A stranger is more likely to protect a legendary stranger. A dishonorable person is ridiculed and friendless. Without friends or family, his death will go unnoticed and no one will bury him to give him an easy passing into the underworld.

Chart created by author.

CRITICAL THINKING:

Consider the Mycenaeans and their raiding culture. Why do you think The Iliad portrays honor and society this way?