Achilles has Armor...So What? Breanna Backstrom College

Symbolism is a reoccurring theme in the Iliad; one commonly takes note that after the death of Patroclus, Achilles’ old armor transforms from representing “divine Achilles” to the symbolism of death, or Patroclus symbolizing the sacrificial servant. Although the symbolism between Achilles’ old and new armor is often scrutinized, one may notice a reoccurring resemblance with the changes happening within Achilles’ character, and the symbolisms existing within his armors. A parallelism seems to occur between Achilles as a person and the symbolism behind his suits of armor. Achilles is both divine and human, and when he transitions into his divinity, one sees a physical representation through the exchange of his armor.

“Two fates sweep me on to my death. If I stay here and fight I’ll never return home, but my glory will be undying forever. If I return home to my dear fatherland my glory is lost, but my life will be long,”[1] This is the prophecy that was made that to Achilles by his mother Thetis. Achilles has the choice to either stay and fight only to live a short life, but his glory will live on eternally or he can choose to leave and obtain no glory but live a long life. Glory is vital to the warriors of the ancient Greek...