Why is achilles a hero?

Why is achilles a hero?

Achilles is one famous name in the concept of Greek mythology. He was proclaimed to be the Greek hero during the Trojan War and was the main protagonist and the greatest warrior in Homer’s literary piece, Iliad. Described to be the most handsome among the assembly of Greek heroes, Achilles was found to be one brave young man, especially when he led the Achaean or Greek force at the outbreak of the Trojan War. Achilles is the son of the mortal Peleus and the nymph Thetis, who tried to make his son immortal by dipping him into the river of immortality, the River Styx. It was only Achilles’ left ankle held by Thetis while dipping him on water, making it the only part vulnerable to mortal wound. It was indeed on such specific part that he found death, as he was shot by an arrow by Paris of Troy.

The name, Achilles, is said to be the embodiment of the grief of the people. It was then believed that when the hero is functioning rightly, his men bring grief to the enemy, but when wrongly, his men get the grief of war. However, the image of Achilles remains to be that of a hero, even until this point in time. Achilles is a hero because he fearlessly led the Greek warriors during the Trojan, with the ultimate goal of defeating the enemy and winning Helen back. As the Trojan War broke out, Achilles became motivated by revenge after his close friend was killed by Hector. Enraged, Achilles kills Hector and then dishonors the body by dragging it around tied to the back of a chariot for 9 days.

Because of such act, Achilles remains to be one great hero in the mythological history of Greece.