Achilles: A Reflection on Masculinity
Nadia Aldunate Martín, a third-year student pursuing a degree in Hispanic Philology, encourages us to contemplate the representation of Achilles and the enduring concept of masculinity he embodies.
Achilles, as depicted by Homer, is characterized by his invulnerability to fear, fervor for battle, and an insatiable thirst for glory. This portrayal has forever etched the image of a hero into the cultural psyche of the ancient Greeks.
Throughout history, Achilles transcended temporal boundaries as his narrative, notably captured in the Iliad, evolved to symbolize not just heroism but also the embodiment of strength and bravery. Rather than being relegated to ancient history, the essence of Achilles continues to resonate in contemporary notions of masculinity, echoing inherited ideals.
In the Iliad, Homer introduces us to Achilles in the throes of the Trojan War, purposefully omitting his past and extensive years of conflict. Instead, he emphasizes how the war has shaped Achilles into a figure of formidable power. The narrative thrusts the hero into the tenth year of the war, with his fury at the forefront of the tale.
What ignites such rage within a man of Achilles’ caliber? It is the insult levied by Agamemnon, who seizes his war prize, Briseis. Despite Agamemnon’s eventual offer to return Briseis alongside a multitude of other esteemed women, Achilles rebuffs it, demonstrating his insistence that his prowess and authority remain unchallenged.
The death of his dear friend Patroclus serves as the catalyst for Achilles’ wrath, further fueling his vendetta against Hector, his foe. In a turbulent emotional state, Achilles reconciles with Agamemnon solely to avenge Patroclus. His intent is to reaffirm that his might is beyond question—a desire that sees him brutally dragging Hector’s body around Troy post-defeat. His combination of strength and valor ultimately turns him impulsive, as he defies both deity and mortality while disregarding the sanctity of the deceased, a significant cultural tenet of the time. Achilles seeks to epitomize courage, a characteristic synonymous with legendary figures, yet one must question whether traits like pride and aggression should shape the archetype of masculinity.
It is in the denouement of the Iliad that a pivotal transformation occurs. Priam, Hector’s grieving father, appeals to Achilles for the return of his son’s remains, thus prompting Achilles to confront a previously neglected sentiment: compassion. Influenced by divine whispers, he ultimately succumbs to this human ethos, returning Hector’s body in a gesture of grace.
Homer skillfully illustrates that despite Achilles’ violent nature, he possesses the capacity for empathy and redemption. This re-evaluation invites discourse on the initial assumption that men ought to suppress emotions and exhibit stoicism. Achilles’ character challenges entrenched notions of masculinity anchored in emotional repression and disdain for vulnerability; he reveals that such expressions denote humanity rather than frailty.
Reflecting upon Achilles invites deeper inquiry into his essence. Beyond the fierce warrior persona crafted by Homer, we are encouraged to explore his formative years.
Legends tell that Achilles was raised on the vital nutrients of wild animals to cultivate his renowned strength. One particularly enlightening aspect of his upbringing is that he also consumed honey, signifying a duality of ruggedness and tenderness in his character. His education was similarly diverse, encompassing rigorous physical training for battle but also the arts, including music and poetry. Thus, from an early age, both the masculine vigor and feminine sensitivity were cultivated within him.
When called to the battlefield, Achilles’ mother, Thetis, forewarns him of his impending doom at Troy. In a poignant turn, he attempts to escape his fate by disguising himself as a woman and retreating to the court of King Lycomenes for nearly a decade.
This lesser-known phase of Achilles’ life is artfully captured in a painting by Rubens, where he is seen embellished in colorful garments alongside women, clad in a war helmet—an intriguing juxtaposition of gendered representations. Here, Achilles occupies a liminal space between masculinity and femininity, suggesting that traditional definitions may be inadequate.
While the warrior identity surrounding Achilles is firmly established, his narrative includes a rich tapestry of traits blending both male and female attributes. This duality presents a nuanced version of masculinity, showing that the coexistence of diverse qualities—often seen as binary—is what truly defines Achilles as a man. The sweetness of honey complements the ferocity of battle, and despite his warrior instincts, Achilles experiences profound suffering.
Through Achilles, we uncover a more intricate and inclusive concept of masculinity, one formed by intricate details of his nurturing and choices throughout his life, challenging conventions of how manhood should be depicted.
