Achilles' Strength and the Fall of Hector: A Closer Look

Often misunderstood or misquoted, the story of Achilles and his colossal strength is a central theme in Greek mythology. In this piece, we delve into the epic tale from The Iliad and uncover why Achilles ultimately defeated the Trojan hero Hector. We will also explore the fate of Achilles and why it was destined for him to be the victor.

Understanding Achilles' Strength

Achilles, the unparalleled warrior of the Greek army, is depicted as an almost god-like figure in Homer's epic, The Iliad. His exceptional physical prowess and unwavering determination make him a fearsome adversary to any opponent during the Trojan War. The Iliad [1] describes his dominance over other warriors like no other when he pursues Hector across the battlefield. The epic narrative vividly portrays Achilles as a figure of terror, with a quote that encapsulates his intimidating presence:

‘Achilles was closing upon him in the likeness of the lord of battles [Ares] the helm-shining warrior and shaking from above his shoulder the dangerous Pelian ash spear while the bronze that closed about him was shining like the flare of blazing fire or the sun in its rising. And the shivers took hold of Hector when he saw him and he could no longer stand his ground there but left the gates behind and fled frightened and Peleus’ son went after him in the confidence of his quick feet.’

Notably, even without divine intervention, Achilles would still be an overwhelming force, making his confrontation with Hector the inevitable outcome of their battle.

The Temporal Absence and Reappearance of Achilles

Contrary to some questions that ask why Achilles did not fight alongside Agamemnon during their earlier confrontations, it is clear from the epic that he refrained from participating in the battle. In fact, the absence of Achilles is a significant factor that led to the fall of Patroclus. According to The Iliad, Patroclus' death was the catalyst for Achilles' eventual return to the battlefield, where he sought retribution and ultimately fought and killed Hector. This series of events is meticulously detailed in the text and further reinforces the intensity of the relationship between the two warriors.

A Potential Weakness in Achilles' Heel

Despite his incredible strength, Achilles was indeed vulnerable in a specific area of his body—the heel—according to the narrative. In some ancient texts and retellings, there is a suggestion that Achilles might have faced a consequence due to this weakness, although the definitive answer lies within The Iliad itself. An episode that has intrigued scholars and readers alike is when Paris, Hector's brother, allegedly shot Achilles in the heel with a well-placed arrow, leading to his death. This account, however, might be subject to various interpretations and retellings, and it is crucial to revisit the original texts for a thorough understanding of the myth.

The Destiny of Achilles

A consistent theme in classical mythology is the contrast between a predetermined fate and the journey to that destiny. Achilles, being fated to defeat Hector, faced a challenging but final battle. The text repeatedly emphasizes that the outcome was predestined, reflecting the idea that heroes, though mighty, cannot escape their predetermined fate. As Hektor cowered in fear and Achilles pursued him, the narrative underscores the inevitability of Hector's downfall. This destiny-driven narrative aligns with many other heroic tales within Greek mythology, where the hero's ultimate fate is often predetermined despite their valiant efforts and successes during their journey.

In conclusion, the story of Achilles and Hector is a testament to the enduring power of Greek mythology, where physical prowess and divine fate intertwine. Achilles' strength, as portrayed in The Iliad, is unparalleled, making his victory over Hector both inevitable and tragic. This exploration of their epic battle offers a deep dive into the complexities and legends of ancient Greek heroes.

[1] Homer. The Iliad. Translated by Samuel Butler. New York: Macmillan, 1900.