ACHILLES (greatest of the Greeks at Troy)
Hero · Greek mythological hero of the Trojan War
- Known as
- Son of Peleus
- Parents
- Peleus, Thetis
- Consorts
- Helen of Troy, Patroclus, Penthesilea, Briseis, Deidamia, Diomede
- Children
- Neoptolemus, Euphorion
- Allies
- Patroclus, Phoenix, Agamemnon
- Foes
- Hector
- Symbols and gear
- spear, shield, helmet, breastplate, arms, mother, greaves
- In the sources
- 500 ancient passages
In Godsunder
At the height of their saga. Heroes begin the campaign weaker and grow with every deed.
- Might24
- Grace20
- Vigour20
- Wits14
- Spirit24
- Tier
- 3 · armour 2 · fights as a brute
- Ashen Spear Thrust. Achilles was the only person who knew how to hurl the ashen spear of Pelion. Strabo 10.1.13
- Fleet-footed Charge. Achilles is described as fleet-footed in the dream vision. Quintus 1 ¶6
- Terror of the Host. The Trojans have always trembled at the sight of him. Iliad 20 ¶5
Achilles is the son of Peleus. Euripides, Andromache 1231-1283 +36 Achilles is identified as the son of Aeacus. Euripides, Iphigenia in Aulis 855-899 +11 Achilles is identified as the son of Peleus and Thetis, a Nereid and daughter of Nereus. Euripides, Andromache 1231-1283 +6
Appearance
Achilles was described as a nimble runner who is as swift as the wind, with swift feet, light in the leap of his foot, and swift-footed and divine. Euripides, Electra 432-441 +3 Achilles appeared like Ares when he was fully armed. Iliad 20 ¶7 +1 Achilles appeared glorious in his armour on the battlefield, with his armour ringing loudly around his breast as he moved swiftly. Iliad 20 ¶7 +1 Achilles was described as being huge in size when he lay down and while the Trojans fled from him. Iliad 18 ¶4 +1 Achilles was considered to be like the Immortal Ones in his appearance. Iliad 24 ¶44 +1
Powers
Achilles was the mightiest of all men, with bodily might that was measureless in the clash of war. Quintus 3 ¶28 +2 Achilles is described as the mightiest of all the Achaeans and the foremost man among the Argives. Iliad 16 ¶17 +1 Achilles is far the better man than Ajax, who would not yield to him in hand-to-hand fight. Iliad 11 ¶52 +1 Achilles is considered superior to Odysseus in battle and is the only Achaean runner capable of competing against him. Iliad 19 ¶17 +1 Achilles claims to have no equal among the Achaeans in battle and serves as a tower of strength for their army. Iliad 1 ¶25 +1 Achilles' strength in battle far exceeded that of Penthesileia, and Aias believed he would defeat her with effortless ease. Quintus 1 ¶25 +1 The Trojans have always trembled at the sight of him. Iliad 20 ¶5 +1 Achilles was unmatched in speed among the warriors mentioned and in games involving speed or chariots. Iliad 13 ¶26 +1
In the myths
Achilles captured and destroyed the city of Lyrnessus, where Aeneas had taken refuge. Diodorus 5.49 +8 Agamemnon took the prize girl Briseis from Achilles, an act that caused Achilles deep sorrow and anger. Iliad 1 ¶23 +7 Achilles killed Hector with his sword. Euripides, Andromache 1-25 +6 Achilles slew numerous Trojan warriors, including twelve youths whom he placed on a pyre. Iliad 20 ¶1 +5 Achilles spent the entire night mourning the death of Patroclus, weeping bitterly upon seeing his comrade lying dead on a bier. Iliad 18 ¶1 +5 Hephaestus created armor specifically for Achilles. Iliad 18 ¶1 +4 Achilles killed Memnon by striking him on the right shoulder with his lance and stabbing him beneath the breastbone with his sword. Pindar, Isthmian 7 ¶11 +4 Achilles engaged Memnon in single combat, turning away from the Trojan ranks to confront him directly. Pausanias 3.18.12 +4 Achilles had killed or sold many of Priam's sons into slavery. Iliad 22 ¶3 +4 Achilles relentlessly chased Hector around the city walls at his utmost speed, similar to a falcon pursuing a dove. Iliad 22 ¶13 +4
Fate
Achilles is described as being dead, having been finally overcome by the weight of his destined doom. Euripides, Hecuba 299-341 +7 Achilles was killed by Paris and Apollo. Pausanias 1.13.9 +2 Achilles is destined to kill Hector in order to avenge Patroclus. Iliad 15 ¶5 +2 Achilles died during the war before the city of Priam, ending his life as a warrior far from his parents. Iliad 19 ¶31 +2
