The Hero of the Iliad: Achilles

Welcome back, Greeks and Geeks! I am continuing my stories from the Trojan War today, by telling you about one of the most famous Greek heroes of all time.

Achilles was the son of Peleus and Thetis, whose marriage was honored by many of the Olympian gods, and arguably where the Trojan War began.

Both Peleus and Thetis are influential people in mythology: Peleus was also a Greek hero, who traveled alongside Jason in the Argonautic Expedition, and Thetis had a prophecy about her that said that her son would surpass his father in glory.

Achilles had six siblings, though all of them died in infancy. Knowing that the prophecy would be about Achilles, Thetis took him to the River Styx and put him in the waters, holding him only by his ankle. The River Styx is one of the rivers in the Underworld, and if anyone bathes in it, they will be practically immortal, they cannot be harmed by any weapon, unless the weapon pierces skin that did not enter the water. Thus, the Achilles Heel was born.

Soon after, Thetis left Achilles and Peleus to return to the sea, as she was ashamed by what she had done after Peleus expressed his disdain. In her absence, Achilles was raised and trained by the centaur Chiron, who had trained many other great heroes, including Peleus, Hercules, and Jason.

He mastered everything Chiron taught him, from music to hunting, so by the time he returned to his father, it was clear that he would be destined to do great things.

Back home, he befriended Patroclus, who would become Achilles greatest friend and lover.

Soon after, Achilles and Patroclus went off to fight in the Trojan War. They were both young when they left for war, historians claiming them to be anywhere between thirteen and eighteen when they left. Achilles commanded a fleet of 50 ships, with Patroclus by his side. Both boys were fierce warriors, laying waste to many men and heroes that fought alongside Troy.

However, Patroclus had gained the attention of the gods. Apollo, who fought with Troy, stunned Patroclus, allowing Hector, Prince of Troy and brother to Paris, to kill Patroclus.

Following his death, Achilles felt such rage and grief, that he killed Hector, and instead of letting Troy conduct their burial rites, he drags his body behind his chariot.

According to the Iliad, Patroclus comes as a ghost to see Achilles, and tells him to bury his bones with Achilles so they would never depart.

Soon after Hector’s death, Paris shoots an arrow which, guided by Apollo, hits Achilles on his heel, and kills him. The final wish of Patroclus is granted, and his ashes are mixed with Achilles, so they are together in death as they were in life.

Achilles was one of the greatest heroes in mythology, with Homer’s The Odyssey showing Achilles as a sort of king amongst the dead. His name has lasted centuries, with his death being immortalized by the “Achilles’ Heel,” and his story being renowned. The prophecy which led to his mother being protective of him eventually came true: he died a great warrior, and Thetis’ son outshone his father in every way.

As always, thank you for reading, and I hope to see you again soon. Αντίο, Σοφία.