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.