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==Origin of Achilles==
Linear B tablets found at Mycenaean sites in Greece bear inscriptions with a name similar to Achilles. It appears that the name is very old. There is no evidence that Achilles was a Mycenaean hero or god. Some argue that the legendary hero was once a water spirit or god. Achilles was probably transformed into a hero during the Greek Dark Ages. By the time Homer (if he existed) compiled his two great epics, Achilles was a glory-seeking invincible warrior. The Homeric epics played a crucial role in the development of the mythology around Achilles story of the great warrior. However, the myths were expanded upon by later poets, some of these in epics, part of the Trojan Cycle that have been lost. A 4th century BC poem the Posthomerica also added new elements to the story of Achilles.
[[File: Achilles Two.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Thetis dipping Achilles into the River Styx]]
==The life of the great hero==
Achilles was the son of the beautiful nymph Thetis. She was so beautiful that she won the admiration of Zeus and his brother Poseidon. However, when it was, prophesized that the son of the nymph would be greater than his father, the two Gods backed off, not wanting to be usurped <ref> Burgess, J. S. The death and afterlife of Achilles (JHU Press, 2009), p. 45</ref>. The gods avoided the nymph after this, and she ended up marrying a mortal; King Peleus of the Myrmidons. According to one source, his mother to make him invincible and immortal dipped him into the River Styx. However, the place where she held him, his ankle was not dipped into the waters and was therefore vulnerable. However, this story comes from a much later source. Achilles was raised by the centaur Chiron and also attended a school for heroes<ref>Burgess, p. 46</ref>. Homer states that he grew up in Pythia and here he met Patroclus, his life-long companion. Thetis had the gift of second sight, and she predicted that her son would either young but gloriously or else live to old age. Achilles’ parents hid him on the island of Skyros. Just before the Greeks were heading off to Troy, a prophecy by Calchas told them that they would not take the city without the help of the young Achilles. However, the King of Skyros did not want Achilles to go, disguised the youth as a girl so that the Achaeans would not find him. Odysseus, while visiting the court at Skyros had a trumpet blasted and immediately Achilles rushed to get a sword, showing his martial spirit. The wily Greek then recognized the young hero and persuaded him to join the expedition to Troy.
