Achilles: The Angry Young Hero

Of all the heroes who fought in the 10-year Trojan War, none approached the greatness of Achilles. A bold and ruthless warrior, Achilles showed his courage and skill on the battlefield countless times. He alone killed multitudes of Trojans, as well as their most fierce allies.

The perfect hero on the battlefield, Achilles was not without flaws. His brashness led him to ignore the advice and counsel of others. His tremendous pride caused him at one point to abandon his Greek comrades and quit the war because he felt insulted. His explosive anger and bloodlust led him to desecrate the body of his most heroic adversary.

As it turned out, Achilles?who seemed unbeatable whether in one-on-one combat or in the middle of a bloody battlefield?was not invulnerable either. Guided by the hand of Apollo, an arrow pierced Achilles' heel?the one spot where he could be killed. His death demonstrated for the ages that even the greatest of heroes was vulnerable.

"Of all the heroes who fought in the 10-year Trojan War, none approached the greatness of Achilles."

Hector was way more courageous, and Odysseus way more prolific.

Courage is multi-dimensional. It can be benign, ideal on one hand and can be brutal on the other.

Yes, but I'd say a man who faces a nigh-invulnerable killing machine in a duel is braver than said machine.

"Yes, but I'd say a man who faces a nigh-invulnerable killing machine in a duel is braver than said machine."

Therez logic to that statement indeed. But in such situations one has to fight for Pride as well irrespective of opponent's reputation/strength.

oooo...that reminds me.

for all you brad pitt lovers out there, Troy is on tonight at 9pm. 😉

i think Pitt actually did a great job in 'Troy' as Achilles; very believable! i think much better than Colin Farrell did in 'Alexander.' Farrell's a good actor in his own rite -..'perfect for 'Phone Booth.'..but i think i would have recast him for the lead in this historical film, maybe with Joaquin Phoenix - i think he shows much more sincerity for the part, along with his classical acting skills - just much more of an intense, natural, believable leader; where he truly shined in 'Gladiator.'

Farrell was also good in 'The Recruit..'the darker, brooding role..

What a classy first-rate actor, Sir Laurance Olivier was...'it doesn't get much better than 'Wuthering Heights.' 'it shows it's not who you are or what you have or don't have in life; but that the truest love never dies.'

And Dicaprio in 'Titanic...wow! 'The scene where he sketches Rose really touched me; the raw, pure emotion of the moment captured in his beautiful eyes.'

- Historically, i always like Peter O'Toole as General Cornelius Flavius Silva in the epic 'Masada'.. 'His emotionless eloquence is an excellent portrayal of the general of Rome's undefeated tenth legion.' Hard movie to find though.

'Perched on a plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada is a lonely mountain fortress that has stood for millennia. In 73 A.D. it was the site of a desperate stand by a zealous band of Jewish outcasts who defied the forces of the mightiest army on earth. In the end, they chose death--by their own hands--rather than defeat.'

..sometimes hero's don't stand alone, they come in groups..

100% agree geminifox; best love story of all time!!!! (The black & white 1939 one was the best version with Gemini Oliver and Pisces Merle Oberon.)

ya achilles is aries for sure

thanks gaurav