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[[File: Achilles one.jpg|200px|thumbthumbnail|left| Achilles from an ancient vase]]__NOTOC__
The heroes of the Trojan War continue to fascinate audiences. Perhaps the most famous of all the Greek heroes who fought in Troy's 10-year siege is Achilles. His adventures, especially in Homer's work, are among the most memorable in all of Graeco-Roman mythology. The young warrior who was invincible in battle because of his swiftness and lived only for glory was the ultimate Greek hero and a cultural icon who inspired conquerors, politicians, poets, and artists. The myths of Achilles need to be understood, as they offer a unique window into the Greek World and mindset.
====The life of Achilles====
[[File: Achilles Two.jpg|200px|thumbthumbnail|left|Thetis dipping Achilles into the River Styx]]
Achilles was the son of the beautiful nymph Thetis. She was so beautiful that she won the admiration of Zeus and his brother Poseidon. However, when it was, prophesized that the son of the nymph would be greater than his father, the two Gods backed off, not wanting to be usurped.<ref> Burgess, J. S. The death and afterlife of Achilles (JHU Press, 2009), p. 45</ref>
====Achilles at Troy====
[[File: Achilless Three.jpg|200px|thumbthumbnail|left|Walls of Troy]]
Achilles soon became a crucial part of the Achaean army during Troy's siege in an effort to retrieve Helen of Troy. The young hero became one of the expedition’s most feared fighters. Such was his prestige that, on one occasion, he persuaded the Greeks to stay and continue the siege after a defeat. In the Iliad, he is shown as the favorite of the Goddess Artemis. Homer portrays him as being quick to anger and, at times lacking in self-control, and this was to have tragic consequences.<ref>Homer, The Iliad (London, Penguin, 2000), p 117</ref>
====Achilles and culture====
[[File: Achilless Four.jpg|200px|thumbthumbnail|left| Achilles dragging the body of Hector around Troy]]
The great Greek dramatists and poets often depicted Achilles and his life in their works. He is a central character in works by Pindar, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Sadly, many of these works are now lost. He was revered by many of the greatest figures in Greek history. He was the embodiment of the great warrior and, in many ways, was the ideal man. Achilles had all the characteristics that the Hellenes admired.<ref> Michelakis, Pantelis. Achilles in Greek tragedy. Cambridge University Press, 2007</ref>