Question

Fill in information about Achilles for each characteristic. Include examples from the excerpts we read.
Characteristic How does Achilles match this characteristic?
Noble Birth


Superhuman Abilities

Vast Traveler


Unmatched Warrior

Cultural Legend


Humble


Moral Superiority


Supernatural Foe


Fatal Flaw


Divine Assistance

Answer 1

Here’s a filled-out table regarding Achilles, based on his characteristics as depicted in various excerpts, including **Homer's "The Iliad"**.

| Characteristic | How does Achilles match this characteristic? |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Noble Birth** | Achilles is the son of Peleus, the king of the Myrmidons, and Thetis, a sea goddess. His lineage places him among the most noble of the Greek heroes. |
| **Superhuman Abilities** | Achilles possesses incredible strength, speed, and combat skills that set him apart from ordinary men. He is often described as the swiftest of all warriors. |
| **Vast Traveler** | Although primarily associated with the Trojan War, Achilles has traveled extensively across the Greek and Trojan territories, witnessing various lands and cultures. |
| **Unmatched Warrior** | He is recognized as the greatest warrior among the Achaean forces, feared and respected by both allies and enemies alike, particularly noted for his prowess in battle. |
| **Cultural Legend** | Achilles' feats have become legendary, and he embodies the hero archetype in Greek culture, symbolizing themes of glory, honor, and the tragic cost of war. |
| **Humble** | Achilles' humility is often overshadowed by his pride, but moments in the text reveal his sense of respect for his peers, particularly in his reluctance to fight due to his grief for Patroclus. |
| **Moral Superiority** | Achilles often grapples with concepts of honor and justice, particularly in his conflicts with Agamemnon, highlighting his strong moral compass relative to others in the war. |
| **Supernatural Foe** | He faces powerful foes such as Hector, who is considered a demi-god or exceptionally favored by the gods, ultimately culminating in their legendary encounters. |
| **Fatal Flaw** | Achilles' hubris is his tragic flaw; his anger and pride lead to significant consequences for both himself and his comrades, notably his refusal to fight after Agamemnon’s slight. |
| **Divine Assistance** | Throughout "The Iliad," Achilles receives aid from the goddess Thetis, who intervenes on his behalf and provides him with divine armor crafted by Hephaestus. |

Feel free to let me know if you need more information or further analysis on any of these points!