The education of Achilles

Achilles grew up in Mount Pelion near his teacher, the centaur Chiron. The centaur’s wife, Chariclo, and his mother, Philyra, took care of him, while Chiron himself introduced him to the arts and letters, medicine and healing, and the arts of war. He taught him how to hunt, to tame horses, throw the spear, archery, as well as music. The demi-god learned to sing and play the ancient lyre. Chiron also taught him to despise lying, to practice self-restraint, to resist vices and ignore pain.

Chiron, as Achilles’ teacher and mentor bridges the gap between instinctive nature (half horse) and logic (half human), acting as a conductor in the struggle of human consciousness to prevail upon nature and the chaos of the universe.

Achilles’ divine beauty is often described. He had an imposing, clear and deep voice, shining eyes, and golden blond hair. His valor became famous through what was then the entire known world, and he was one of the most significant heroes who took part in the siege of Troy.