Diomedes: A True Hero?

Although Achilles' wrath is the central focus of the poem, Diomedes is the key fighter for the first third of the Iliad. When Achilles goes to sulk in his tent after Agamemnon dishonored him by taking Achilles' war booty away from him, Diomedes had to step up and become the hero the Greeks needed. Diomedes shares many similar and different qualities to Achilles, who is believed to be the hero of the Iliad. Diomedes is not as good of a warrior as Achilles, but he can still face a god on the battlefield which isn't too bad either. He is a valiant soldier who is not overcome with hubris and has respect for his commander Agamemnon and the gods. Achilles is driven by his wrath and hubris, with it often coming in conflict with his position during the war. Achilles does not agree with Agamemnon and does not hide his displeasure in Agamemnon's ruling over the Greeks. Diomedes respects his leaders because he knows that is his job as a soldier of Greece. When Agamemnon "taunts" the Greek soldiers in order to rise them up, Odysseus gets angry and yells at Agamemnon for insulting his honor, but when Agamemnon tries the same thing with Diomedes, Diomedes takes it with humility because he respects Agamemnon's position of authority.
Throughout Books V and VI, Diomedes goes through an aristeia and shows many of the same talents of Achilles. Diomedes becomes the hero the Greeks needed in time of Achilles' absence; killing many Trojans, wounded even the gods, and shows courage and wisdom throughout the battle. Diomedes even shows mercy towards few on the battle field, a feat Achilles would not be able to do. Diomedes shows the characteristics of a true hero, even though Achilles obtains the majority of the fame from the Iliad. Diomedes respects his leaders, has the ability to show mercy and humility, and is a talented warrior. Diomedes is the true hero of the Iliad.