Hector's fate was sealed in slow, painful steps. First he resolved to confront Achilles - an incredibly courageous resolution given the odds, then he hesitated, then he fled in terror, then he, believing he had support, rallied and confronted Achilles, vowing to treat him honorably if he fell, then knowing that he was doomed, he drew his sword and attacked and was pierced between the collarbones by Achilles; Athen had returned the spear he had thrown so he could use it again on Hector. These very human steps do not necessarily demonstrate cowardice, this process is a very human process of weighing one's options. It is not fair to consider that Hector faced the great Achilles alone because he was out of options and could not live up to his reputation. He could have chosen differently, in fact, he was begged not to go that route. His noble sacrifice was even more heartbreaking and a far greater loss than that of any other hero, precisely because of the relationship we see between him and his young wife, his infant son, his mother and father, his brothers and sister-in-law. These family ties compound our sense of tragedy and loss. Hector was loved and had a real place in the world compared to a single soldier far from home. Book XXII ends with the lamentations of Hector's family members and his weeping wife.