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====Origin of Achilles====
Linear B tablets found at Mycenaean sites in Greece bear inscriptions with a name similar to Achilles. It appears that the name is ancient. There is no evidence that Achilles was a Mycenaean hero or god. Some argue that the legendary hero was once a water spirit or god. Achilles was probably transformed into a hero during the Greek Dark Ages.
Homer (if he existed) compiled his two great epics by the time Achilles was a glory-seeking invincible warrior. The Homeric epics played a crucial role in the development of the story of the great warrior. However, the myths were expanded upon by later poets, some of these in epics, part of the Trojan Cycle that has been lost. In a 4th century BC poem, the Posthomerica also added new elements to the story of Achilles.
====The life of the great heroAchilles====[[File: Achilles Two.jpg|200px|thumb|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>
