Achilles (World Mythology)
#1 in World mythology Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
An introduction to the character of Achilles and his importance in Greek mythology. Provides an introduction to Achilles and his place in Greek mythology, including his connection with the Trojan War and such figures as Athena and Apollo.
Character compass
Achilles
Patroclus
Agamemnon
Hector
Discussion points
What qualities make Achilles a hero? Can you think of someone you consider a hero who has similar traits?
Why do you think Achilles' heel was his only vulnerable spot? What do you think this symbolizes in terms of human strengths and weaknesses?
How do the other characters in the story influence Achilles' decisions? Can you give an example of how friends or family influence your decisions?
What challenges does Achilles face and how does he overcome them? How do you face challenges in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the character of Achilles and relate it to their own experiences. Use comparisons to modern-day heroes or people they admire to make the story more relatable. Discuss the moral and ethical questions raised by Achilles' actions and decisions to deepen their understanding of the story's themes. Finally, foster empathy by exploring how Achilles' strengths and weaknesses affect those around him and relate those situations to personal interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: Through the story of Achilles, children see how the hero faces numerous challenges during the Trojan War, displaying courage and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by tackling their own difficulties, whether in school or in their personal lives, with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Pride
Explanation: Achilles’ tale dramatically illustrates how his immense pride eventually leads to his downfall, teaching the importance of humility.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of modesty and the potential negative outcomes of being overly prideful, encouraging them to practice humility in interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Although a formidable warrior, many of Achilles' successes are achieved with the help of his companions, signifying the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value collaborative efforts and to seek help and cooperation in tasks at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Impact of Choices
Explanation: The book shows how Achilles' choices, good and bad, have profound effects on his life and the lives of others, stressing the weight of decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think carefully about their choices, understanding that their actions can have significant impacts.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The story provides a narrative where Achilles learns from his errors, underscoring the importance of learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to adopt a growth mindset, viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning and personal development.