A comparison of Achilles and
Superman

What is an Archetype


A recurring pattern of images, situations, or symbols
found in the mythology, religion, art and dreams, of
cultures around the world.
What is an Archetypal Hero
 A hero with specific traits. Born under unusual
circumstances, leaves family and lives with others,
traumatic event leads to quest, receives supernatural
help, and has special abilities. These series of events
resemble Joseph Campbell’s monomyth structure.

Achilles


Born a demigod as the son of
Peleus and Thetis. Thetis was
the goddess of the water and
Peleus was a mortal man.
Superman

Born on a world that was on
the verge of destruction so he
was rocketed to earth.

Achilles


Raised by his mother and
centaur Chiron but not his
father.
Superman

Raised by farmers on Earth after
escaping the destruction of his
world.

Achilles


Achilles was called upon by Agamemnon to fight
the Trojans to win back Helen. His mother warned
him that he was destined a good life at home if he
didn’t go or glory and remembrance of his name
after his death if he did go. He decides to go for the
glory.
Superman

The loss of his home and father lead him to use his
powers to try to protect and later on save his new
world, planet earth.

Achilles


Athena was Achilles’ supernatural
aid because she’s a goddess and
she helped him defeat Hector of
Troy
Superman

Received help from his father from
crystals that were programmed
with his planet’s science and his
father’s memories.

Achilles


Superhuman strength, stamina, and
immortality. His only weakness
was the spot where he wasn’t
immortal which was the area by his
heel.
Superman

Super strength, heat vision, flight,
etc. and immortality. Only
weakness was Kryptonite.

Their lives or journeys are similar to that of
Joseph Campbell’s monomyth structure. This
goes on to say that Achilles and Superman are
archetypal heroes.