Dagger Achilles with metal sheath

In the famous Homeric work, Achilles is usually described as the swift-footed as he was considered the fastest men. Later legends (beginning with a poem by Statius in the first century) state that Achilles was invulnerable in his entire body except for his heel. These legends hold that Achilles died in battle after being hit by a poisoned arrow in the heel, where the term "Achilles heel" has come to refer to the only weakness of a person.

hereiles is also famous for being the most "beautiful" of the heroes assembled at Troy, as well as the fastest. In his myth is crucial relationship with Patroclus, described in different sources as deep friendship or love.