A Comparative Analysis: Achilles vs. Odysseus - Age and Character

In Homer’s renowned epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, two of the most prominent and complex characters are Achilles and Odysseus. While their individual journeys and roles in the Greek world are well-documented, one common query among readers is who between these two legendary heroes was older. This article aims to delve into the age of Achilles and Odysseus, providing insights into their respective timelines and the context within which they operated.

Introduction

Homer’s works are shrouded in myth and ancient storytelling, making it challenging to pinpoint exact ages for these characters. However, textual and contextual clues can provide some insights. This article seeks to consolidate and analyze the information available to form a plausible age comparison between Achilles and Odysseus.

Age of Achilles

Achilles, the legendary hero of the Trojan War, is often portrayed as a deeply passionate and valiant warrior. Textual evidence from both the Iliad and the Odyssey suggests that Achilles was a young man in his late teens. The following passage from the Iliad (Book 1, line 436) encapsulates the young age of Achilles:

“And he [Achilles] went to Agamemnon’s great ship, bristling with bronze, a god among men, early in his youth.”

The term “early in his youth” is a strong indicator that Achilles is still quite young, if not in his late teens. Additionally, in Book 11 of the Iliad, Achilles is described as a “boy” (gēnēs in Greek) who is deeply troubled by the loss of his friend Patroclus. This further supports the idea that he was a young adult at the time of these events.

Age of Odysseus

Odysseus, known for his cunning and wisdom, is another major character in Homer’s works. Unlike Achilles, Odysseus’s age in the Odyssey is more openly addressed, providing clearer insights. When Poseidon dispatches a huge storm to delay Odysseus’s return home, he calls the ship’s crew and instructs them:

“... Lay yourself down and let your bodies be at ease. For you are but men still—half-grown boys and youngsters, who know no old age.”

This passage suggests that the ship’s crew, including Odysseus, was still relatively young, with some possibly in their early twenties. In the Odyssey, Odysseus himself recounts that he is seeking to return home after the ten-year expedition to Troy. He is described as:

“a man of many disguises, brave and wise in counsel, who traveled through many foreign lands and perils in the course of the ten years that took me to return from Troy.”

This narrative indicates that Odysseus was in his early to mid-twenties when he left for Troy, and remained in that phase throughout the war and his subsequent journey.

Conclusion: Comparative Analysis

A comprehensive comparison of the ages of Achilles and Odysseus reveals that while both were young at the start of their journeys, Achilles is described as being in his late teens, whereas Odysseus is in his early to mid-twenties. While these descriptions may not be precise, they paint a picture of two heroes in their prime, each facing unique challenges and demonstrating remarkable abilities for their respective ages.

References

Homeric epics: Iliad and Odyssey, translated by Robert Fagles.

Fagles, R. (1990). The Iliad. New York: Viking.

Fagles, R. (1996). The Odyssey. New York: Viking.