The Mark of Achilles

Achilles was a heroic character in the epic poem 'the Iliad. When born his mother wanted her son to be safe from harm. She learned that the waters of the river Styx would make any person submerged within unable to be harmed by any weapon. So she went and dipped her child. But, to let go of him would be certain death, so she held her son by the feet. Where her hands held him, his skin was sheltered from the waters and so did not gain their blessing. Hence the vulnerability of his ankles. (For the time period he would have most likely worn linen armor with bronze plates here and there, or, a shirt that was in effect a coil of bronze hanging from shoulder to thigh, and a large shield. Protection that would cover a man not-quite head to toe)

In his developing youth, Achilles was told a prophecy, and given a choice. He had two lives before him; become a farmer, have a wife and children, and live to old age but die in obscurity. Or, become a soldier who would have fame for all time, but die young with no children to carry his family line. ...He chose glory over comfort. (A Roman ideal of honor and 'death in service' being the greater good)

The Trojan war was of no real interest to Achilles, and he neglected the battlefield. However his training partner (/ brother-in-arms, / lover) went to the battle disguised as Achilles, and was killed. Drawing him into the conflict for revenge- both for honor and also anger/grief. Which led him to a chain of duels and battles that ended with an arrow (I believe said to be poisoned) strikes his un-protecyed ankle and leading to his death. (Portraying both the nobility/honor of revenge, the chain effect of revenge-for-revenge, and the folly of revenge.)

There is no magic to be gained from the story. No transformations or beco.ings, no power to emulate or embody. You do not gain 'the strength of Achilles' in any way. But, in studying the myth, the characters, their weaving narratives their choices and consequences... One can gain insight. Learning about ideals, folly, the heroism and tragedy of both when applied to their extremes. They are tales to learn from. That is how you gain. That is how the stories grant their boons to you. By asking ''What can I learn from Achilles?'' Not ''How can I be Achilles?