Mythologies are not merely stories but give us a glimpse into the world in a gone by era. Mythologies reflect long-held beliefs and morals of a particular society. Myths around the world are diverse but also share some common elements. For long, mythology scholars, and amateur readers have found common elements in mythologies belonging to different cultures. For example, there are several common themes and similar characters in Greek and Hindu mythology.
Greek mythology belongs to a specific region and Hindu mythology, to a specific religion. Despite this distinction, the two mythologies many common themes and similar characters.
In this article I will talk about Greek hero Achilles and his various parallels in Hindu mythology.
Achilles
Achilles was born to Nereid (Sea Nymph) Thetis and Peleus, the king of Myrmidons. A prophecy said that Thetis will produce a son who would be greater than his father, and so Zeus and Poseidon, who both wanted to marry Thetis, instead had her wed to Peleus.
A story associated with Achilles says that after he was born his mother Thetis, an immortal, dipped him in the river Styx to make him immortal. However, his left heel buy which she had grabbed the boy was left vulnerable.
Achilles’ Parallel in Hindu Mythology
Achilles finds a parallel in the Pandava warrior Arjuna, who were both regarded as the best warriors of their time and were feared. Achilles’ battle with Hector, the Prince of Troy, is regarded as akin to the battle between Arjuna and Karna, his brother given away at birth out of shame that a pregnancy before marriage might have caused to their mother Kunti. Karna fought the famous Mahabharata war from the Kaurava side.
The manner in which Achilles dies has a direct parallel in the manner Lord Krishna dies.
Krishna was killed by a hunter by an arrow that struck him on his heels. Achilles remains invincible during the Trojan war except when Paris shoots an arrow that hits him in his heels.
There are many Greek Mythological characters which find a parallel in Hindu mythologies. These will be discussed in future articles.
The Broken Inkpot 