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Achilleid: An Epic Poem by Paul Begadon

Cason Cox

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Paul Begadon's Achilleid is an epic poem that tells the story of Achilles, a legendary Greek hero who was known for his strength, courage, and ferocity. The poem is written in dactylic hexameter, the same meter as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and it follows Achilles from his birth to his death at the hands of Paris.

The Birth of Achilles

Achilleid begins with the birth of Achilles, the son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidons, and Thetis, a sea nymph. Thetis was immortal, but she loved Peleus and agreed to marry him. However, she knew that their son would be mortal and that he would die young.

On the day of Achilles' birth, Thetis took him to the River Styx, the river of the underworld, and dipped him into its waters. The waters of the Styx made Achilles invulnerable, except for his heel. Thetis then left Achilles with Peleus, and she returned to the sea.

Achilleid

by Paul Begadon

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	980 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	86 pages

Achilles' Childhood

Achilles grew up to be a strong and handsome youth. He was trained in the arts of war by Phoenix, a wise old centaur. Achilles also became a skilled musician and singer.

When Achilles was nine years old, the seer Calchas prophesied that he would be killed at the siege of Troy. Peleus, horrified by this prophecy, tried to keep Achilles away from the war. He sent him to the island of Skyros, where he was disguised as a girl and raised among the daughters of King Lycomedes.

The Trojan War

When the Trojan War broke out, Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, came to Skyros in search of Achilles. Odysseus recognized Achilles, even though he was disguised as a girl, and he convinced him to join the Greeks in the war.

Achilles sailed to Troy with his Myrmidons, and he quickly became one of the most feared warriors on the battlefield. He killed many Trojans, including Hector, the greatest warrior of Troy.

The Death of Achilles

In the tenth year of the Trojan War, Achilles was killed by Paris, the son of Priam, king of Troy. Paris shot an arrow into Achilles' heel, the only part of his body that was not invulnerable.

The death of Achilles was a great blow to the Greeks. They eventually won the war, but they did so without their greatest warrior.

The Legend of Achilles

Achilles is one of the most famous heroes in Greek mythology. He is known for his strength, courage, and ferocity. He is also known for his tragic death.

The story of Achilles has been told and retold for centuries. It has been the subject of many works of art, literature, and music. Achilles remains a symbol of heroism and tragedy.

Achilleid is a powerful and moving poem that tells the story of one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology. Begadon's writing is clear and concise, and he captures the essence of Achilles' character. Achilleid is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology or epic poetry.

Image Descriptions

Achilles and the Centaur Chiron by Rubens: This painting depicts Achilles as a young boy being taught by the centaur Chiron. Achilles is shown as a strong and handsome youth, while Chiron is shown as a wise and gentle teacher.
The Death of Achilles by Jacques-Louis David: This painting depicts the moment when Achilles is killed by Paris. Achilles is shown lying on the ground, with an arrow in his heel. Paris is shown standing over Achilles, with a bow and arrow in his hand.
Achilles and Hector by Giambattista Tiepolo: This painting depicts the battle between Achilles and Hector. Achilles is shown on the left, armed with a sword and shield. Hector is shown on the right, armed with a spear and shield. The two warriors are locked in a fierce battle.