This
paper attempts to address the question of
myth and
immortality through the study of Achilles in the "Iliad". The central thesis is that Achilles has a choice between
human life and immortality through death and how he chooses death and immortality over a mundane, comfortable life. Another aspect
explored is the realization that total transcendence of the world and godlike immortality are not humanly possible. It also attempts to place the Homeric myth in a broader context in terms of
understanding the deeper
significance of the story of Achilles. A Jungian view of the story and of myth is also explored. The paper concludes with the view that the myth of Achilles and the search for immortality has a significance that goes beyond the story itself to reveal themes that pertain to the understanding of the human condition.
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