Achilles and the Greek Era

Achilles, son of Peleus, King of Myrmidons, and Thetis, sea nymph, comes to Troy as part of a Greek force led by King Agamemnon. Unlike most protagonists, Achilles does not develop significantly over the course of the epic. “Swift” Achilles, having been a famed and valiant soldier, was sought after and loved by all, except his adversary Agamemnon. He was a prominent warrior known for his great strength that actually caused the Achaeans to win many battles. How was Achilles such a bloodlust hero? A hero is one who is “admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” This warrior is all three of these points. Achilles’ honorable attitude for his loved ones, bravery in times of adversity, and as the definition states, “outstanding achievements” make him a hero beyond recognition. Living in a difficult age full of war and death, Achilles tried to hold dear to the time he still had with his loved ones by remembering to treat them with an honorable attitude. During the Trojan War, having glory and honor was looked upon with great respect, so he would try to grasp this glory and honor with his honorable approach to his friends and family. Achilles had humanlike characteristics. He fought and risked his life for the people, many descendants from God themselves. Achilles was one of the most vital characters in the story. Being the ultimate most powerful warrior of all time, he wishes for nothing in his life but to be the most glorious man alive, mortal or immortal. It is this profound desire for glory and honor, that in the end leads to his demise. He helped to raised the Greek soldiers’ moral and was an excellent fighter. He fights to save his city, and believes in preconceived notions of his life, or predetermined destiny. Instead of fulfilling his desires, he fulfills those already given to him. Fate does not determine every action, incident, and occurrence, but it does determine the outcome of life. As the story unravels Achilles