WHAT HAPPENED TO ACHILLES AFTER THE ILIAD

 

      

    

Achilles, the main character of the Iliad remains one of the symbolic heroes of Greek, mythology and modern literature for his bravery in avenging the death of his best friend Patroclus.

                                                              Homer

Homer’s epic poem, along with Odyssey, have created an enormous influence on Western literature to this very day.   And this is, also, true for Achilles, the fearless warrior who became the symbol of gallantry.

                                   Achilles Leading  the Greek Troops in Troy

“Sing Goddess, of the rage of Pelius’ son, Achilles” is the opening line of the Iliad, a poem that describes a few weeks of the ten-year Trojan War, mainly may feats of Achilles

 

Greek mythology states that Achilles was invulnerable because his mother, Theatis, had dripped him into the river Styx as an infant.  Yet one vulnerable part of his body was his heel from which his mother had held him to immerse him into the river. 

 

He was killed by Paris, the son of the King of Troy who had discovered that his heel was the vulnerable spot of his body.

 

According to ancient authors after his death Achilles was cremated.  The Odyssey describes the huge tomb of Achilles on the beach of Troy.  After his death he became a demigod.

 

 

                           Alexander the Great at Achilles' Tomb by Johann Henri