World literature Research paper - Essay Example

Achilles’ Epic Life Homer introduced to the world the epic life story of Achilles. The poem Iliad accounted the life events of a half-god, half mortal hero. Achilles became an epic hero when he fought for his homeland. His heroic actions made him a protagonist for his fellow Greeks who fought wars for the king. The life of the Greek half-go half-mortal hero has several adaptations however it does not matter because the most important events in his life was when he became a part not just of a very rich Greek history but also of the world’s literature.

Achilles became one of the highlights in the Trojan War (Hunter). At the start of his epic journey, the gods have a role in Achilles life. He was born by an immortal mother, Theetis, and a mortal king father Peleus. What makes Achilles’ story stand out amongst the other epic is how he became indestructible. Mythology intertwined with literature and history as to the real account on how Achilles became invulnerable. Whichever story may be true, the ritual which has been done made Achilles a very prominent and powerful character not just in Greek mythology but also in world history (Filozof.

Net; Stevenson, 20).Troy and Greece were in great conflict when Achilles entered the picture and fought Hector. For the Troys, Hector was the greatest fighter of their race. When Achilles defeated Hector, it was the Greeks’ pride that one of their warriors killed the best that the Trojans can offer. With this achievement, Achilles has proven not just to the Trojans but also to other kingdoms that the Greeks are better if not the best warriors. There is always a romantic side in every story. Either it would be the part that will make or break the protagonist.

In the epic of Achilles, it was only touched very lightly. Even if it was said that he knew how to win a woman’s heart, romance was nothing compared to the heroic acts that he have done for his country. His war victories were far more important therefore that was the area where writers focused on. Iliad was not written in a traditional way where people would feel good towards the written piece presented to them. Though presented on a tragic manner, the epic life of Achilles was written the closest as possible to the real events yet presented on a poetic way for entertainment purposes (Toohey, 28; Butcher, 14).

There are several versions on the story of Achilles. Some versions glorify Achilles’ fighting skills while others question his participation in the Trojan War. There are also thoughts as to his real purpose in fighting, is it for Greece’s glory or revenge to Agamemnon? However, these stories all have similar content regarding how Achilles died. It was when an arrow was shot and hit his heel. This was Achilles’ weakness. His body may be indestructible but his heel was not. Paris, Hector’s brother, was the one who brought Achilles to his death bed.

This brought a mortal ending to an epic life (Greek Legend, 4).Works Cited:"Achilles." Encyclopedia Mythica. 2012. Encyclopedia Mythica Online. 16 January 2012 .Damrosch, David. How to Read World Literature. United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. 2009.Filozof.Net. Achilles (Greek Mythology). 2011. 16 January 2012 . “Greek Legend: the Iliad.” 16 April 2008. . 16 January 2012.Toohey, Peter. Reading Epic: An Introduction to the Ancient Narratives. London: Routledge. 1992.