Achillies

Achilles is a central character in Greek mythology, renowned for his strength and martial prowess. He is best known for his role in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad, where he is depicted as one of the foremost Achaeans (Greek heroes) fighting in the Trojan War. Achilles' story is emblematic of the themes of glory, wrath, and fate that permeate ancient Greek literature and mythology.

Mythology[edit | edit source]

Achilles was the son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidons in Phthia (in present-day Greece), and Thetis, a sea nymph. His myth includes elements of prophecy and divine intervention. It was foretold that Achilles would either live a long, unremarkable life or die young with everlasting glory. Thetis, seeking to make her son invulnerable, dipped him in the River Styx. However, she held him by his heel, leaving that part of his body vulnerable, which led to the term "Achilles' heel" to describe a critical weakness.

Trojan War[edit | edit source]

Achilles' most notable exploits occur during the Trojan War, a conflict instigated by the abduction of Helen by Paris, prince of Troy. Although initially reluctant to join the war due to a prophecy foretelling his death in Troy, Achilles eventually became a key figure in the Greek forces, his wrath and pride leading to both heroic feats and tragic consequences.

His quarrel with Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek forces, over the captive woman Briseis is a central plot of the Iliad. This dispute results in Achilles withdrawing from the battle, which causes significant losses for the Greeks. He only returns to combat following the death of his close friend and possible lover, Patroclus, at the hands of Hector, the Trojan prince. Consumed by grief and rage, Achilles kills Hector in a duel, dragging his body around Troy's walls, an act that marks both his greatest moment of glory and a turning point towards his own downfall.

Death[edit | edit source]

The prophecy of Achilles' death comes to fruition when he is killed by an arrow, guided by the god Apollo, shot by Paris and striking his vulnerable heel. His death is not depicted in the Iliad but is a well-known part of his story, occurring in later works and mythological traditions.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Achilles' legacy extends far beyond his death, symbolizing the epitome of the Greek heroic ideal: excellence in battle, honor, and a short but glorious life. His story has been retold and reinterpreted through centuries in various cultures, influencing a wide range of literary and artistic works.