The myth of Achilles speaks of the prototype of the epic hero; an almost perfect and virtually unbearable but at the same time deadly being. This character was the most important figure of the Trojan War and one of the most important protagonists of La Ilíada.
This warrior was also known as “light feet” because he was considered the fastest of all men. In addition, the Achilles Myth notes that it was also known as the most beautiful of all the heroes who fought in the Trojan War.
- This myth is so important that it has been immortalized in anatomy.
- The Achilles tendon.
- Located at the back of the leg.
- Was named after the mythological hero who was revered in various parts of the ancient world.
“I would rather be a servant in a poor house in the world of the living than be a king among the dead. “- Achilles in the Odyssey?
According to the myth of Achilles, this hero had a very special origin, his mother, Tethys, was a sea nymph, daughter of Nereo, the eldest of the seas, of incomparable beauty. He was raised by Hera, Zeus’ wife; yet Zeus himself was interested in her, as was Neptune, god and master of the oceans.
It is said that the Titan Prometheus gave Zeus an oracle, who launched an intrepid prophecy. The prophecy said that Tethys would conceive and give birth to a son with great abilities. The oracle also said that in time he would become so powerful that he would be able to resume his father’s reign. Faced with this prediction, Zeus and Poseidon (known as Neptune by the Romans) abandoned their interest in Tethys.
In the end, the nympha married a mortal named Peleu, who was a prince. At this point, the Achilles myth has two versions:
As a child Achilles already had great strength and speed, it has also been shown that he has a very hard character that aspires to glory and violence, his great teacher was Phoenix, a wise and courageous centaur, during his childhood he met Achilles. Patroklos, with whom he maintained a friendship for the rest of his life, later became a disciple of the Centaur Chiron and completed his training.
To keep Achilles out of the war, his father sent him to the court of King Licomede, disguised as a woman, where he spent time and conceived his only son, known as Pirro or Neopt-lemo, Odysseus discovered and invited him. to accompany him to Helena’s rescue in Troy.
The myth of Achilles says that his entry into the war showed his great skills and caused fear among enemies, the exploits of this demigod became legend, especially when he defeated Cicno, son of Poseidon, and Troilus, son of Apollo.
The Trojan War was long and bloody. Achilles was the most feared and the most beautiful among the warriors. He did not know fear and was therefore feared by all. Many fled before confronting him, as he was considered invincible. These were the circumstances when his childhood friend, Patro nile, was killed by his enemies on the battlefield.
From there, the Myth of Achilles tells that the hero began to fight with more and more force and without any compassion, all he wanted was to avenge the death of his friend who had fallen into the hands of Hector, Hephaestus, god fire and metallurgy, it became special. armor to protect Achilles, as an oracle had announced that he would die in battle with Hector, who won.
Some time later, Paris, guided by Apollo and knowing the warrior’s only weakness, wounded him with a poisoned arrow on his heel. The hero died and was watched for 17 days by his mother, Tethys, and the Nereidas, his sisters. who said he wanted to live fast and die young.