The Fate of Achilles at the End of the Iliad: Myth and Reality

Quintessential figures of ancient mythology, the stories of Greek heroes like Achilles continue to captivate audiences thousands of years after they were first written. In Homer's epic poem, The Iliad, Achilles, the most prominent Greek warrior, lives a tumultuous and events-packed life. His tragic end at the fallen walls of Troy has led to countless interpretations and myths surrounding the events of his final moments. Here, we delve into the historical and mythological narratives surrounding the demise of this legendary warrior, uncovering the truth behind the 'Achilles Heel' and questioning the legacy of one of the greatest heroes of antiquity.

Born to be a Hero

The story of Achilles begins before the Trojan War even starts. According to Homer, Achilles was born to Queen Thetis, a sea nymph, and King Peleus of Thessaly. The prophecy predicted that either Achilles would die young if he joined the Trojan War, or he could live a long and peaceful life if he remained unknown. Thetis then took her son to the River Styx to make him invulnerable. However, while submerging him in the river, she held him by his heel, leaving this one spot vulnerable to harm.

With his exceptional strength and bravery, Achilles quickly rose to prominence during the Trojan War. His actions, however, often put him in conflict with other Greek warriors, such as Agamemnon, over spoils of war, like the maiden Briseis. This led to a temporary truce from battle, a significant source of tension in the epic narrative.

The Trojan War and Achilles' Fate

Achilles' absence from the Trojan War is short-lived, as a series of events restores him to the battlefield. Patroclus, a close friend of Achilles, dons his armor, mistakenly believed to be Achilles, and leads the Greek forces against the Trojans. Unfortunately, Patroclus is killed by Hector, one of the greatest Trojans. This loss drives Achilles back into the fray with a vengeance, personally leading the Greeks to victory over Hector and dragging his body around the walls of Troy for three days and nights in a display of mourning and rage.

Despite his victory and the temporary satisfaction he feels, Achilles does not remain unscathed for long. It is during this final battle that fate intervenes in the form of a divine guided arrow shot by Paris. Realizing the fatal nature of this blow, Achilles refuses to flee and prepares for his final moments. Homer writes that Paris hits him 'in the vulnerable spot', which is later interpreted as his heel, the only part of his body that was not dipped in the River Styx during his childhood ritual.

Mythical and Historical Interpretations

The legend of Achilles' death has led to various interpretations, both historically and mythologically. One common interpretation that has gained traction is from the Christian tradition, which suggests that Achilles' heel was a metaphor for a flaw or weakness, much like Samson's trick by the Philistines. However, this interpretation is not supported by Homer himself, who specifies that Achilles was struck by an arrow in the heel, a singular and specific event rather than a general weakness.

The omphalos ergon or “heel work” as described by Western tradition is a significant event that has been the subject of much scholarly debate and reinterpretation. Many scholars agree that the phrase "Achilles's heel" was not a descriptor of a weak point but a poetic reference to the method by which he was made vulnerable in his childhood.

Despite this, the narrative of Achilles' final moments has inspired countless works of art, literature, and even modern idioms. His story highlights the complexities of heroism, the consequences of pride, and the ultimate toll of war.

The Legacy of Achilles

The legacy of Achilles extends beyond the confines of The Iliad. He is a symbol of idealized human nature, embodying qualities of strength, courage, and downfall. To some, Achilles represents the best that humanity can achieve. To others, he is a cautionary tale, a reminder that even the most powerful can be brought down. This dual nature of honor and hubris, life and death, makes Achilles a study in the human condition.

Modern scholars, poets, and historians continue to explore the meaning of Achilles, drawing from the rich tradition of Greek mythology and the subtle intricacies of Homer's epic poetry. Understanding the fate of Achilles at the end of the Trojan War is not just about the story's ending but about its influence on later generations.

So, as we explore the end of Achilles' life, from the , the complexities and nuances of his character are revealed. His story is a reminder of the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the enduring impact of ancient myths on our modern understanding of heroism and human nature.