How did Achilles die in The Iliad?

In The Iliad, Achilles was a legendary warrior who fought in the Trojan War on the side of the Greeks. After killing Hector, the brother of Paris, Achilles was shot in the heel by Paris himself, who had been seeking revenge for his brother's death. This fatal wound was said to be the only vulnerable spot on Achilles' body, as his mother Thetis had dipped him in the magical waters of the River Styx as an infant, making him invulnerable to harm. However, she held him by his heel and therefore it remained unprotected. After being shot in the heel, Achilles died from the wound.

In addition to being a renowned warrior, Achilles was also known for his pride and arrogance, which ultimately led to his downfall. When his lover, Patroclus, was killed by Hector, Achilles was consumed with rage and sought revenge. He returned to battle and killed Hector, but in doing so, he allowed his pride to cloud his judgment and ignored the warnings of the gods. This ultimately led to his own death, as Paris was able to take advantage of his arrogance and strike him in his vulnerable heel.

The story of Achilles' death has since become a symbol of vulnerability and weakness, giving rise to the phrase "Achilles' heel," which is now commonly used to refer to a person's weakness or vulnerable spot. The myth has also been retold and reinterpreted in countless works of literature and popular culture, cementing Achilles' place as one of the most iconic figures in Western mythology.