We still lack a reliable explanation of A.'s name, which is presumably of pre-Greek origin. Explanations from antiquity vary: Schol. Il. 1,1 derives the name from the ‘sorrow’ (áchos) caused by A. to the Trojans (i.e. the ‘Ilians’). Another explanation (e.g. Tzetzes, Lycoph. 178) derives the name from χεῖλος (cheîlos; ‘lip’…
Cite this page
Sigel, Dorothea (Tübingen),
Ley, Anne (Xanten) and
Bleckmann, Bruno (Strasbourg),
“Achilles”, in:
Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry.
Consulted online on 10 June 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e102220>