Greek Heroes » Achilles, Main hero of the Trojan War » Myths about Achilles

Achilles and the Trojan war

When Achilles was still young seer Calchas prophesied that the city of Troy could not be taken without his help. His mother Thetis tried to keep him far from the war by sending him to the greek island of Skyros, where he was disguised as a young girl.

The attempt, however, proved itself fruitless, since Greek hero Odysseus detected Achilles in the island, reached out, grabbed him and took Achilles with him to the war.

Peleus, the father of Achilles, was too old to join Achilles to the war. He could only give him precious gifts such as his nuptial weapons from his marriage with Thetis, a immensely heavy pole made of wood and immortal horses that could speak the human language.

In the Trojan War, Achilles was accompanied by his tutor Phoenix and his close friend Patroclus. He was leader of fifty boats manned with Myrmidons . From the very beginning proved to be a dominant part. He later on was declared the most worthy and capable of all warriors who participated in the Trojan War.