Morality in War: A Comparison Between Bhīma from the Mahābhārata and Achilles from the Iliad

Abstract

This thesis is an analysis of morality in war in the Mahābhārata and the Iliad by a comparison of the main warriors, Bhīma and Achilles, in their respective Indo-European epics. Specifically, this thesis shows how outside influences (mortal or immortal) placed upon each warrior ultimately determine the warriors' actions, especially those towards their enemies. As the treatment of these warriors in their respective epics remains unbalanced, this analysis will account for how Achilles is able to get away so much more than Bhīma, yet not be criticized similarly. Overall, the assessment of these two warriors provides an overarching understanding of the view of morality within war from the perspective of these epics.