Analysis: Achilles must have worn “flats”!
Touched upon under the key points for classical heroes, Achilles is widely known from Greek mythology in the literary works of Homer’s Iliad. The epic tale begins for Achilles as an infant, when his mother held him by the heel and dipped him the River Styx (Matherne, 2004). This inherently gifted him with a superhuman ability known as resistant to death. His heel; of course, became his mortal weakness.
Fated to be great, his heroic warrior abilities during the Trojan War are widely considered as paramount. Many who are familiar with the story; however, do not know that the divine Achilles lived as a girl in a neighboring king’s court after being trained for battle (Ross, 2002) Culturally speaking, this definitely puts a spin on what was considered “modern dress” in Greek times. Regarding his mortal heel, as a present time transvestite, Achilles choice in women’s footwear would have been severely limited!
Of course, the pattern for the heroic epic follows course even in light of his apparel. His life as a hero began when infused with divine grace. Patterns and characteristics are common across both century and culture in this manner, as the film character “Superman” was blessed with super-human power with ancestral ties. As challengers or villains will surely be encountered, the birthright of hero-children are often hidden or disguised to prolong life. For Achilles, the same held true. He was hidden away to be unrecognized by his mother when Achilles was nine years old in order to prevent the declared prophecy that her son would either die a young hero or live a humiliate life (Myth-man, 1999). Known as “Pyrrha” for his red hair, Achilles lived disguised quietly as a young woman. Later exposed by trickery, Achilles entertained his destiny and joined the Greek expedition that led to the infamous Trojan War.
Subsequent in the pattern of a hero, his life was then intertwined with his destiny. Achilles accepted his predetermined call to duty, and began his journey. His quest in Greek times encompassed the seeking of a challenge or achieving a goal in physical terms (Myth-man, 1999).
Achilles adventure and peril required both courage and sacrifice. He avenged his companion Patroclus (with sexual reference), by killing the Trojan hero that took his life. Homer referred to the character of Achilles as highly noble and admirable (Matherne, 2004).
Particularly, the classic heroes from Greek mythology are both appealing and amicable not only for their super-human powers, but for the array of emotions and reactions displayed. The epic tale of the heroic Achilles is famed for displayed eccentricity, humanism, and competitiveness.
As destiny would have it, Achilles life was brief. As the story goes, his one fatal flaw, Achilles mortal heel, befell him. As an archetypal hero, Achilles is idolized in the form of statues and the portrayal of scenes in certain parts of Greece (Ross, 2002).
References:
Matherne, Bobby. (2004). Review Achilles, by Elizabeth Cook. Book Review. Retreived on June 10th, 2009 from http://www.doyletics.com/arj/achilles.htm
Myth Man. (1999). Myth Man’s Achilles. Retrieved on June 10th, 2009 from http://www.thanasis.com/achilles.htm
Ross, Susannah. (2002). Holding out for a Hero: Curriculum Notes. Retrieved on June 11th, 2009 from http://www.unm.edu/~abqteach/gods_cus/01-02-09.htm
[Turnitin.com Submission: Weekly Analysis [4-1] 06-12-09 - 3%]
