Because Achilles is in Hell

In Greek mythology, Achilles was a prominent hero of the Trojan War. Known for his exceptional strength, bravery, and skill in battle, he was unmatched by any other warrior. However, despite his legendary status, Achilles’ fate after death was far from glorious. According to Greek beliefs, Achilles was sent to the realm of the dead, commonly referred to as Hell. Let us explore the reasons why this mighty hero was condemned to such an infernal destination.

Firstly, Achilles’ tragic flaw, his excessive pride or hubris, played a significant role in his descent to Hell. Throughout the Iliad, Homer repeatedly emphasizes Achilles’ arrogance and excessive self-confidence. His belief that he was invincible led him to defy authority and disregard the gods’ warnings. One such instance was his refusal to fight alongside the Greek army due to a personal conflict with their leader, Agamemnon. This resulted in numerous casualties that could have been avoided had Achilles put aside his pride. His decision undermined the importance of fraternity and honor, which the gods held in high regard. As a consequence, Achilles was condemned to Hell due to his hubris and failure to prioritize the greater good.

Furthermore, Achilles’ relentless pursuit of glory and immortality ultimately led to his downfall. After his closest companion, Patroclus, was killed in battle, Achilles’ desire for revenge consumed him. He was willing to sacrifice everything, even his own life, to avenge Patroclus’ death and secure his name in history. In his pursuit of immortality, Achilles killed Hector, the Trojan prince, and desecrated his body. Such an act was deemed sacrilegious and further affirmed the gods’ disapproval of his actions. Achilles’ obsession with personal glory and his neglect of moral principles proved to be his undoing, condemning him to an eternity in Hell.

Moreover, Achilles’ treatment of his prisoners of war was deeply cruel and disrespectful. According to historical accounts, Achilles would drag the bodies of slain enemies behind his chariot, inflicting disgrace upon them. This barbaric act not only violated the established rules of warfare but also showcased Achilles’ lack of empathy and compassion. The gods, who valued mercy and justice, were outraged by his behavior. Such actions displayed an excessive cruelty that was unfitting for a hero. Consequently, Achilles’ severe mistreatment of prisoners resulted in his banishment to the depths of Hell, where he would face eternal torment.

Lastly, Achilles’ disregard for his own mortality and the futility of his actions served as the final nail in his coffin. Despite being warned by his mother, the goddess Thetis, that he could either live a short but glorious life or a long but unremarkable one, Achilles chose the former. By embracing his destiny as a warrior, he sealed his own fate. Achilles knew that his pursuit of fame and eternal glory would lead him to an early death, yet, he willingly embraced it. Such a blatant disregard for life and the consequences that followed were impossible to overlook. Consequently, Achilles’ deliberate ignorance condemned him to the hellscape of the underworld, away from the realm of humans.

In essence, Achilles’ descent to Hell was a result of his excessive pride, relentless pursuit of glory, mistreatment of prisoners, and disregard for his own mortality. While he will forever be remembered as a legendary hero, his actions and flaws ultimately determined his fate. The story of Achilles serves as a reminder that even the mightiest warriors are not exempt from the consequences of their actions.