# Death of Achilles explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Achilles is slain by Paris with Apollo's guidance, fulfilling a long-nursed vengeance by Neptune. His death sparks a dispute between Ajax and Ulysses over his divine armor, which is left to the Greek chiefs to decide.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Revenge

Neptune's long-smothered vengeance for his son's death culminates in Achilles's slaying.

### Mortality and Immortality

Achilles, though mortal and reduced to ashes, achieves immortal fame through Homer's verse.

### Fate and Prophecy

Achilles's death is fated and timed by divine will, with Apollo executing the predetermined hour.

## Character check-ins

### Achilles

Falls victim to Apollo and Paris; his armor becomes the prize of contention.

### Apollo

Guides Paris's arrow to slay Achilles, acting on Neptune's request.

### Ajax

Rises as one of two rivals claiming Achilles's armor.

### Ulysses

The other rival claimant to Achilles's armor.

### Neptune

Grieves his son Cycnus and incites Apollo to bring about Achilles's death.

### Paris

Fires the fatal arrow at Achilles, guided by Apollo.

## Key lines

> Thus fell the foremost of the Grecian name, And he, the base adulterer, boasts the fame;

So died the greatest Greek hero, while Paris, the cowardly seducer, takes the credit.

_Highlights the irony of Achilles's noble death versus Paris's ignoble glory._

> Of all the mighty man, the small remains A little urn, and scarcely fill'd, contains.

The entire body of that great warrior now fits into a tiny urn.

_Emphasizes the contrast between Achilles's legendary might and the meager physical remains._

> Yet great in Homer, still Achilles lives, And equal to himself, himself survives.

Achilles lives on through Homer's epic, as great as he ever was.

_Affirms the power of poetry to grant immortality to heroes._

## Links

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