In the Trojan War tradition, Achilles killed Hector outside Troy’s walls. Their duel is one of the best-known episodes associated with the Trojan War and is narrated near the end of Homer’s Iliad.
Hector was Troy’s greatest warrior and the eldest son of King Priam. Achilles returned to battle after Hector killed Patroclus, Achilles’ close companion, wearing Achilles’ armor and attempting to rally the Greeks.
Achilles pursued Hector around the city before confronting him. Hector initially fled, but Athena deceived him by appearing in the form of his ally Deiphobus. Achilles then struck Hector at a vulnerable point near his neck.
After the duel, Achilles dishonored Hector’s body by dragging it behind his chariot. Priam later visited the Greek camp and persuaded Achilles to return the body, giving the Iliad its solemn closing movement.