Achilles

Definition

Achilles is a central character in Greek mythology, particularly known from Homer's epic poem 'The Iliad'. He is depicted as the greatest warrior of the Greek army during the Trojan War and is renowned for his superhuman strength, bravery, and tragic flaw of excessive pride. His story emphasizes themes of heroism, mortality, and the consequences of anger and vengeance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Achilles' mother, Thetis, dipped him into the River Styx to make him invulnerable, but his heel remained vulnerable, leading to the term 'Achilles' heel' as a metaphor for a single point of weakness.
2. His rage against Agamemnon after being dishonored is a key element in 'The Iliad', leading to significant consequences for both the Greeks and Trojans.
3. Achilles is prophesied to have a short but glorious life, which drives much of his actions throughout the epic.
4. The character's relationships with other warriors, especially Patroclus and Hector, are crucial to understanding his motivations and emotional depth.
5. Achilles ultimately meets his fate at the hands of Paris, who strikes him in his heel with an arrow, showcasing the theme of fate versus free will.

Review Questions

• How does Achilles' character reflect the values and ideals of heroism in Greek culture as depicted in 'The Iliad'?
  • Achilles embodies the Greek ideals of strength, bravery, and honor, which are central to heroic identity in 'The Iliad'. His incredible prowess in battle earns him respect and fear among allies and enemies alike. However, his pride and emotional turmoil also reveal a more complex understanding of heroism that includes vulnerability and consequences for personal choices. This multifaceted portrayal showcases how Greek culture valued both physical capability and moral dilemmas faced by heroes.
• Analyze how Achilles' relationship with Patroclus influences his actions throughout 'The Iliad'.
  • Achilles’ relationship with Patroclus significantly impacts his character arc in 'The Iliad'. After Patroclus is killed by Hector while wearing Achilles' armor, Achilles experiences profound grief that transforms his anger into a desire for vengeance. This loss rekindles his sense of purpose in battle against Troy, leading him to rejoin the fight despite earlier withdrawing due to his conflict with Agamemnon. The deep bond between them illustrates themes of friendship, loyalty, and loss, driving Achilles toward a tragic yet heroic path.
• Evaluate the significance of Achilles' vulnerability as portrayed through his 'heel' in relation to the broader themes of fate and mortality in Greek literature.
  • Achilles' vulnerability, represented by his heel, serves as a powerful symbol within Greek literature that highlights themes of fate and mortality. Despite being nearly invincible due to divine intervention, Achilles' destined death at this single point signifies that even the mightiest heroes cannot escape their fates. This intertwining of strength and weakness emphasizes that all human beings have flaws and vulnerabilities. The concept of the 'Achilles heel' thus becomes an enduring metaphor for how personal weaknesses can lead to downfall, reinforcing that no one is above mortality or fate.

Related terms

The Iliad:

An ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer that narrates the events of the Trojan War, focusing on the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon.

Trojan War: A legendary conflict between the Greeks and the city of Troy, sparked by the abduction of Helen and lasting ten years, central to many Greek myths.

Hector: A Trojan prince and the greatest warrior of Troy, known for his honorable character and as Achilles' primary adversary in 'The Iliad'.