My understanding of honor

Honor or honoris in Latin is an abstract concept that contains fairness, respect and integrity. A person is labeled honorable when he or she adheres to the above qualities or if that particular individual follows a specific code of honor.

The first thing that comes to mind in regards to honor is Hector of Troy. Hector, not surprising, is also named one of the nine worthies together with Alexander the Great and King Arthur. Nine worthies or nine valiants consist of nine very extraordinary individuals. A title given solely to personages who embodies gallantry and courage. These individuals may not be a prince by birth but they are all indubitably 'princes' in their own right despite their circumstances.

Hector is the first-born son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba; and husband to the red-headed Andromache. He is also the strongest man in Troy. Given his position as heir apparent to the throne and a favourite of the king and queen, he is still one of the most down to earth man according to Homer's Illiad or any other sources. Whilst Achilles fights for honor and his reputation, Hector fights for the people of Troy. He is not regarded as one of the Nine worthies only because of his noble and courtly manner but in part of his peace-loving nature and overall character. He is a veritable paragon of heroism and modesty.

It is easy to define honor in bygone stories as opposed to the difficult task of applying honor to modern day folks. The world has certainly evolved into a technological-governed one. People have become more individualistic and materialistic; and that such honorable and honest to do attitude are long-forgotten.

A code of honor differs from a legal code. It is usually measured through a person's conscience rather than the eyes of a certain community. How often do we see such practiced code of honor?

As much as I hate to admit it, it is considerably easier to relate honor to myth and fiction instead of associating it to people of today's generation.