Difference between Achilles in the Iliad and in Troy

Difference between Achilles in Troy and in the Iliad

Achilles is shown to be very different in Troy as he is said be in the Iliad. In the Iliad, Achilles does

not agree to fight after Agamemnons’ gift of Breseis and other extensive gifts. He says he would only

fight if the Trojans reach his ships and threaten them with fire. But in the movie, Achilles takes

rescues Breseis from assaults from Agamemnons’ guards.  Though in both the Iliad and movie Troy,

Achilles is angered by the death of Patroclus and kills Hector. There is also, obviously, a physical

difference. We all know that the role of  Achilles was played by Brad Pitt, but we are given little

detail as to what Achilles looked like in the Iliad. We mainly only have vase paintings and statues,

which both look rather different. Achilles is said to have been dipped in the river Styx, but his heels

didn't touch the water, this being why he was only vulnerable when he was struck on his Achilles

heel. In the Iliad, Achilles was wound on his heel did not heal properly and died later from sickness.

In the movie Troy, Achilles dies almost instantly after being struck with the arrow. There were no

signs of sickness at all.  In the movie Troy, Achilles is among one of many Greeks that are inside the

Trojan Horse. In the Iliad, Achilles died before the Trojan Horse ruse was ever exploited. We all
 

remember the scene where Patroclus takes Achilles' armour without Achilles knowing, and runs out

to battle, only to be soon lain by Hector. But in the movie "Troy", Achilles lets Patroclus use

Achilles' armour but warns him to come back once he has fought of the Trojans. But he does not

listen to Achilles and fights them back to the walls of Troy, where he was soon killed. Also, in the

Iliad when Achilles seeks his vengence, he ends up chasing Hector around the walls of Troy three

times before Athena appears disguised as Hectors brother, her presuades him to make a stand against

Achilles. But in the movie Troy, this scene is not shown and Achilles rides his chariot to the gates of

Troy to face Hector, who willingly makes his stand. Achilles was portrayed as older than Patroclus in

the movie, but in the Iliad it is said that though Achilles is more noble, strong and mightier, Patroclus

is older.