The True Account of Achilles: A Mythology Lesson

Achilles, son of King Peleus of Thessaly and nymph by the name of Thetis, procured himself to be one of the greatest Greek combatants in history. His legend echoes into modern times, earning the name placement of the legendary tendon, The Achilles Tendon. This paper will attempt to recreate the legend that is Achilles and provide facts from a very reliable book, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology.[1]

According to the story of his birth, both Poseidon and Zeus wanted to have a son via Thetis, the legendary sea nymph. Warned by Prometheus, god of fire, Zeus and Poseidon agreed to arrange a marriage between Thetis and Peleus on the grounds that the child of Thetis would be far greater than the father that bore it.[2]

In accordance to legend Thetis yearned to make Achilles an immortal. One of her attempts to do so was by holding him by an ankle and dipping him into the Styx river, the river which ran through Hades, also known as the land of the dead. This event is the source for Achilles’ one true weakness, the ankle which remained above water.[3]

Achilles, determined to be a great warrior, learned of combat from the leader of the Centaurs named Chiron. Chiron cared for Achilles like a son, teaching him the basics of combat. But, Chiron was first and foremost a teacher, forcing Achilles into death-defying challenges, increasing his abilities even further.[4]

In an attempt to prevent Achilles from fighting in Troy, a fate which Thetis knew would bring about his death, she disguised him as a girl. His disguise was only broken by Odysseus through deceit. Odysseus laid on a table a series of jewelry and a weapon. As the women were admiring the jewelry, Odysseus sounded a call to arms. Achilles, being instinctively trained in combat, immediately gave himself up by reaching for the weapon. After being revealed, Achilles sailed for Troy.[5]

While in Troy Achilles was not the greatest fighter anticipated. Much of his time was spent in contemplation of a great many things, staying away from combat. However, upon the death of Patroclus, his great love, at the hands of Hector, Achilles strove into combat with his legendary ferocity. After finding Hector, Achilles sleighed him with a spear and drug him around the grave of Patroclus for twelve days.[6]

Achilles’ anger eventually lead to his downfall. While in combat, Achilles was struck by an arrow shot from Paris’ bow. Paris’ aim was guided by Apollo, who knew his only weakness. This is the true story of Achilles, not the glorified and embellished story of a great warrior. Though a mythical account, this article provides readers with a sense of humanity in Achilles that is rarely seen.[7]

[1] Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 14

[2] Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 14

[3] Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 14

[4] Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 14

[5] Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 14

[6] Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 15

[7] Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 15