Who Killed Achilles in the Trojan War?
The Trojan War, one of the most iconic and enduring stories in Western literature, has been a topic of fascination for centuries. At the heart of the war is the legend of Achilles, the greatest hero of the Greeks and arguably the most complex and enigmatic figure in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. One of the most pivotal moments in the war is the killing of Achilles, but the question remains: who killed Achilles in the Trojan War?
Contents
Background and Significance
To understand the answer to this question, it’s essential to have a brief understanding of the Trojan War and Achilles’ role in it. The Trojan War was a ten-year conflict between the city-states of Greece and Troy, sparked by the abduction of Helen, the wife of King Menelaus, by Paris, a prince of Troy. Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks, was the son of King Peleus and the sea-nymph Thetis. He was also the cousin of King Odysseus, and his rage and grief drove much of the action in the Iliad.
Achilles’ Death: A Double Blow
Achilles’ death was a double blow, both for the Greeks and for the mythology of ancient Greece. The heel of Achilles, which he had been invulnerable from birth, was his fatal weakness. According to Homer, Achilles was struck by an arrow to his heel, which had not been covered by his armor, causing his death.
The Contenders
So, who killed Achilles? The contenders for his killer are a few:
- Paris: Paris, the prince of Troy and the son of King Priam, is often credited with Achilles’ death. In fact, Homer himself credits Paris with the killing. Paris shot an arrow to Achilles’ heel, using the gift of the gods, which was intended to be a spear but Paris used it as an arrow.
- Apollyon: Apollyon is another contender for Achilles’ killer. In some versions of the myth, Apollyon, the son of Poseidon, is said to have killed Achilles with an arrow to the heel.
- Odysseus: Some versions of the myth suggest that Odysseus might have killed Achilles. Odysseus and Achilles had a complex and tumultuous relationship, with the two often clashing in the Iliad.
What Did Homer Say?
Homer’s Iliad provides a detailed account of the events leading up to Achilles’ death. In Book XXI of the Iliad, Homer describes Achilles’ death as follows:
"…the Trojans, led by Prince Hector, were now retreating, and Achilles was not far behind. Achilles was struck by a poisoned arrow that Apollyon, son of Poseidon, shot to his heel, killing him."
But, Did Homer Really Say Paris Did It?
Interestingly, Homer’s Iliad does not explicitly state that Paris killed Achilles. Homer only mentions that Paris is the one who took up the bow of the great archer Philoctetes, which is how Paris got the arrow to Achilles. The exact manner of Achilles’ death remains ambiguous in the Iliad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of who killed Achilles in the Trojan War remains a topic of debate. While Paris, Apollyon, and Odysseus are all contenders for his killer, Homer’s Iliad provides an ambiguous account of Achilles’ death, leaving the true culprit unknown. The mythological significance of Achilles’ death underscores the complexity and enigmatic nature of the Iliad, a masterpiece that has captivated audiences for centuries.
Timeline of Achilles’ Death
- Around 1200 BCE: The Trojan War is believed to have taken place.
- According to Homer’s Iliad: Achilles’ death occurs in the tenth year of the war, while the Greeks are camped outside Troy.
- Paris’ version: According to some accounts, Paris shot an arrow to Achilles’ heel, killing him.
- Apollyon’s version: Some myths suggest that Apollyon, the son of Poseidon, killed Achilles.
- Odysseus’ version: A few accounts imply that Odysseus might have killed Achilles.
Significant Quotes from Homer’s Iliad
- "The gods who rule the wide world and watch over mortals gave that arrow to him (Apollyon), an unerring arrow that was fated to bring Achilles’ life to an end" (Book XXI)
- "Then, drawing the bow, Achilles struck his thigh with an arrow…" (Book XVI)
- "And the spear-shafts fell at our feet, like hail; and the Achaeans, with loud shouting, rushed on, but he (Achilles) stood firm, a pitiful sight to behold." (Book XV)
Sources:
- Homer’s Iliad
- various mythological accounts and versions of the Trojan War.
