Achilles' heel

Definition

Achilles' heel refers to a person's point of weakness or vulnerability, stemming from the Greek hero Achilles, who was invulnerable except for his heel. This term captures the idea that even the mightiest individuals have a specific flaw that can lead to their downfall, making it relevant in discussions about heroism and personal strengths and weaknesses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Achilles was dipped in the River Styx by his mother, Thetis, to make him invulnerable; however, she held him by his heel, leaving it exposed.
2. His heel became a symbol of vulnerability, illustrating that even the strongest individuals have weaknesses that can be exploited.
3. The phrase 'Achilles' heel' is often used in modern contexts to describe a critical vulnerability despite overall strength.
4. In 'The Iliad', Achilles' rage after the death of his friend Patroclus leads him to seek revenge on Hector, demonstrating how personal loss can expose one's vulnerabilities.
5. Achilles' eventual death comes from an arrow shot by Paris, guided by Apollo, which strikes his vulnerable heel, highlighting how fate and destiny play roles in his story.

Review Questions

• How does Achilles' heel symbolize the concept of vulnerability in the context of Greek heroism?
  • Achilles' heel serves as a powerful metaphor for vulnerability among heroes. Despite Achilles being the mightiest warrior of his time, his singular point of weakness reminds us that no one is invincible. This idea is prevalent in stories of heroes who face great challenges but ultimately have flaws or weaknesses that can lead to their downfall. Such representations reinforce the notion that even those with extraordinary capabilities are human and susceptible to failure.
• In what ways does the story of Achilles and his heel reflect broader themes in 'The Iliad', such as fate and personal loss?
  • In 'The Iliad', Achilles' invulnerability contrasted with his mortality symbolizes the tension between fate and individual choices. His anger over Patroclus’ death drives him to confront Hector, showcasing how personal loss can impact one's actions and reveal hidden vulnerabilities. The epic illustrates how destiny ultimately leads to Achilles' demise through a seemingly minor flaw—his heel—emphasizing that fate can shape a hero's journey in unexpected ways.
• Evaluate how Achilles' heel as a symbol has influenced modern interpretations of heroism and vulnerability in literature and culture.
  • Achilles' heel has become a lasting symbol across literature and culture, influencing how we view heroism and vulnerability. This concept allows for deeper character exploration, revealing that even seemingly invincible heroes face limitations or weaknesses. Modern narratives often use this archetype to challenge traditional notions of strength by illustrating that true heroism involves acknowledging and confronting one's vulnerabilities. This perspective reshapes our understanding of characters and their journeys, making them more relatable and human.

Related terms

Achilles: A central figure in Greek mythology, known as one of the greatest warriors in the Trojan War, whose only vulnerable point was his heel.

Hector: The prince of Troy and a formidable opponent to Achilles in the Trojan War, representing honor and heroism in battle.

The Iliad: An epic poem attributed to Homer that narrates the events of the Trojan War, including Achilles' wrath and eventual fate.