Odysseus was reportedly the great grandson of Hermes , a son of Zeus and grandson of Cronus. His mother, Anticleia, was the the daughter of Autolycus, a son of Hermes. Achilles was the son of Peleus and Thetis.
What does the Odyssey say about Achilles?
Odysseus initially attempts to comfort Achilles by commenting on his revered legacy, but Achilles responds by saying that he would rather be a slave than remain among the dead... Do not grieve, then, Achilles, at your death.” These words he answered, swiftly: “ Glorious Odysseus: don’t try to reconcile me to my dying.
How did Odysseus and Achilles meet?
In Book 11, Odysseus meets Achilles in the underworld and hears about Peleus, Achilles’s father. Odysseus learns that “old age has lamed his [Peleus’s] arms and legs,” and that rivals are threatening Peleus. Achilles wishes that he could be on earth among the living to help his father.
Why is Achilles important in the Odyssey?
Why was Achilles considered a hero? Achilles was considered a hero because he was the most successful soldier in the Greek army during the Trojan War. According to post-Homeric myths, Achilles was physically invulnerable , and it was prophesied that the Greeks could not win the Trojan War without him.
Why did Achilles cry?
In book 23 of the Iliad, after Achilles has killed Hector and had his corpse dragged back to the Greek ships, he cries because he is mourning his beloved friend Patroclus, and he sees Hector’s death as an act of vengeance .
Why did Achilles refuse fight?
When Achilles was fighting under Agamemnon, slaves were taken in the Trojan territory as the Greeks moved across the land, sacking and looting along the way. Why did Achilles refuse to fight? He was angry because Agamemnon took his war-prize from him, his slave-bride Briseis.
Why did Achilles drag Hector’s body?
Following the funeral of Patroclus, Achilles’ grief makes him restless. He ties Hector’s body to his chariot and repeatedly drags it around the tomb of Patroclus , in his furious need for retribution. However the gods protect Hector’s body so that in spite of this cruel treatment it remains unblemished.
Are Achilles and Patroclus together in the underworld?
Achilles has entered a pact with the titular god of the dead that he will serve in the House of Hades in exchange for granting Patroclus entrance to Elysium, a paradise reserved for the worthy. This pact would, of course, mean the two will be forever separated.
Are Achilles and Patroclus buried together?
Achilles did not allow the burial of Patroclus’ body until the ghost of Patroclus appeared and demanded his burial in order to pass into Hades. ... The ashes of Achilles were said to have been buried in a golden urn along with those of Patroclus by the Hellespont.
Why is Achilles not a hero?
Achilles can be described as a Tragic Hero in many ways. He was brave and had great strength but, he was also prideful and lacked control with his emotions , and in all the label of a tragic hero fits him.
What can we learn from Achilles?
Here’s how Achilles tells it: ... Achilles knows that if he stays and enters the battle, he will be remembered forever for his exploits, but will die in battle, never to return home . If he returns home instead of entering the battle, he will live a long life but his legacy will die with him.
What is Achilles greatest character flaw?
In the story of the Trojan War, Achilles’s “fatal flaw” changes drastically depending on the version and interpretation. Sometimes it’s his heel , the single weakness on an otherwise indestructible body; sometimes it’s his hubris, the crime of pride; sometimes it seems to be something more than either of those.
What made Achilles so good?
They only knew that Achilles was a great hero, that he had superhuman strength and courage and that he was supremely handsome. Homer painted a more nuanced picture: In addition to these qualities, his Achilles was vengeful and quick to anger and could be petulant when he did not get his way.
Did Hector really fight Achilles?
As depicted in Homer’s The Iliad, Hector is one of the principal defenders of Troy, and he very nearly won the war for the Trojans. ... As the Greeks stormed the Trojan castle, Hector came out to meet Achilles in single combat —wearing the fateful armor of Achilles taken off the body of Patroclus.
Was Hector afraid of Achilles?
In fact, Hector is actually too scared to face Achilles , which is why Achilles chases him around the city walls. Hector does not have the courage to face Achilles until the goddess Athene appears beside Hector in the form of his brother Deiphobos.
How much older is Patroclus than Achilles?
15 Years Old
In the spring of their 15th year, they notice that they both look older. Achilles touches the places on Patroclus that have changed. He says that “You would not be displeased, I think.
