Greek MythsHeroes

Achilles and His Heel

A legendary warrior's near-invincibility is undone by a single hidden vulnerability.

1 min read

5 characters

Illustration for Achilles and His Heel - a heroes Greek Myths story with moral lessons

1 min5

Story Summary

Explore the legend of Achilles and His Heel, the Greek hero rendered nearly invincible by the River Styx, whose one weakness led to his tragic end at Troy.

Achilles was born to the sea nymph Thetis and King Peleus. Desperate to make her son immortal, Thetis took the infant to the River Styx, whose waters were said to grant invulnerability. Holding him by his left heel, she dipped him into the sacred river. Every part of his body touched by the water became iron-clad and indestructible, but the heel she gripped remained dry and vulnerable. Achilles grew into the greatest warrior of the Trojan War, a hero of unmatched strength and speed. He seemed invincible on the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of the Trojans. However, the god Apollo, knowing the hero's secret, guided the hand of the Trojan prince Paris. Paris loosed an arrow that struck Achilles directly in his vulnerable heel. The wound, though small, proved fatal, bringing the mighty warrior to his knees and ending his life at the gates of Troy.

The Moral

No matter how powerful or gifted an individual may be, everyone possesses a vulnerability that can lead to their downfall if they become overconfident.

“My mother tells me that double ways of fate are leading me to my end.”

Fun Fact

The term 'Achilles tendon' was actually coined in 1693 by the Flemish anatomist Philip Verheyen, who named the body part after the mythic hero while describing his own amputated leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Achilles and His Heel?

The story teaches that everyone has a weakness, regardless of their strength or status. It serves as a reminder to remain humble and aware of one's own limitations to avoid a tragic downfall.

Why was Achilles' heel his only weak spot?

When his mother, Thetis, dipped him into the River Styx to make him immortal, she held him by his heel. Because that part of his body never touched the magical water, it remained human and vulnerable.

Who killed Achilles and how?

Achilles was killed by the Trojan prince Paris, who shot a poisoned arrow into his heel. The god Apollo is said to have guided the arrow's flight to ensure it hit the hero's only weak point.

What does the term 'Achilles' heel' mean today?

In modern language, an 'Achilles' heel' refers to a person's principal weakness or a small but fatal flaw in an otherwise strong system or character.

Was Achilles a real historical person?

While there is no archaeological evidence of a single person named Achilles, many historians believe he represents the idealization of the Mycenaean warrior class during the Bronze Age.

Who were the parents of Achilles?

Achilles was the son of Peleus, the mortal King of the Myrmidons, and Thetis, an immortal sea nymph. His mixed heritage granted him extraordinary strength but denied him true immortality.