Greek Mythological Heroes: The Similarities Between Achilles And Hercules

Greek mythological heroes Achilles and Hercules share many common qualities. Both were born of a divine ancestry, endowed with great strength, athletic abilities, and invulnerabilities. They both lived a battle-ridden life, fueled by revenge, rage, or redemption; in the end fulfilling their predestined fate. Although they bear some minor differences, the similarities between Achilles and Hercules are evident. Achilles and Hercules both were of a divine ancestry and inherited some immortal blessings. For instance, Achilles was born of a sea goddess named Thetis, and Peleus, the king of Thessaly in northern Greece. According to Homer, Achilles and his closest friend Patroclus, were raised together by Thetis. Thetis bathed Achilles as an infant in the river Styx in an attempt to make him invulnerable, but his heel remained dry, thus becoming his weakest spot. Achilles destiny was determined from birth to suffer either a long life without glory or a glorified death in battle at Troy. Similarly, Hercules was the son of the god Zeus and Alcmena, the wife of the Greek warrior Amphitryon. Zeus disguised himself as Amphitryon and impregnated Alcmena. Thus, Hercules was half-mortal and half-immortal. Also, the blind prophet Tiresias prophesied Hercules to become a great hero. Strength, athletic abilities, and battle skills were mutual amongst Achilles and Hercules. Achilles was known to be a remarkable athlete. When Achilles was six, he was fast enough to chase deer and strong enough to catch lions and wild boars. One belief was that Achilles learned from the centaur Chiron. He taught Achilles music, medicine, and war skills. By the time he was a man he became the Greeks most formidable warrior. Likewise, Hercules as a young boy
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