Its quite possible that a particular shot in snooker or a particular position become your Achilles’ heel – your weakness !! So be aware of your weakness , work on it , be aware of your opponent’s weaknesses – leverage them !!
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The Story of Achilles:
Achilles is a key figure in Greek mythology, best known for his role as the greatest warrior in the Trojan War, as described in Homer’s Iliad. He was the son of Peleus, a mortal king, and Thetis, a sea nymph. Achilles was a demigod, renowned for his incredible strength, speed, and battle prowess, making him nearly invincible on the battlefield.
According to legend, when Achilles was born, his mother, Thetis, wanted to make him immortal. She dipped him into the River Styx, which was believed to grant invulnerability. However, as she held him by his heel, it remained untouched by the water, leaving that spot vulnerable—a crucial detail that would later become his downfall.
Achilles grew up to be a fierce warrior, and he played a central role in the Greek army during the Trojan War. His rage over the death of his friend Patroclus is a major focus of The Iliad, culminating in his revenge against the Trojan hero Hector.
The Achilles’ Heel:
Despite his prowess, Achilles’ story ends in tragedy. According to later myth, during the final stages of the Trojan War, he was struck in his heel by an arrow shot by Paris, the prince of Troy. Some versions of the myth claim the arrow was guided by the god Apollo, killing Achilles and proving that even the mightiest of warriors had a fatal weakness—his “Achilles’ heel.”
Symbolism:
The story of Achilles and his heel has since become a metaphor for a person’s critical weakness, no matter how strong or invincible they may seem otherwise.
Its quite possible that a particular shot in snooker , that a particular position become your Achilles’ heel – your weakness !! So be aware of your weakness , work on it , be aware of your opponent’s weaknesses – leverage them !!
Each of snooker players , even the masters of the game have their Achilles heel , the first thing to deal with it is – acknowledge your weakness , work on it , if not possible then work on bettering your strengths ..and possible leverage on your opponents weakness – but of course in a gentlemanly way and within limits !!
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What is Achilles famous story?
Achilles was the son of Peleus, a mortal king, and Thetis, a sea nymph (goddess). His mother tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the River Styx, but she held him by his heel, leaving that spot vulnerable. This small oversight led to the legend of the “Achilles’ heel.”
What is the moral of the story of Achilles?
The moral of the story of Achilles revolves around the idea that no one is invincible, and even the greatest strengths come with vulnerabilities. Achilles was a nearly perfect warrior, but his fatal flaw, symbolized by his unprotected heel, ultimately led to his downfall.
His story teaches several lessons:
Pride can be dangerous: Achilles’ excessive pride and anger caused him to withdraw from battle, nearly leading to disaster for the Greeks. It highlights how unchecked pride can cloud judgment and create personal and collective harm.
Even the strongest have weaknesses: No matter how powerful or talented a person is, everyone has a vulnerable side. This is symbolized by Achilles’ heel, a reminder that no one is immune to fate or mortality.
Honor and loyalty matter, but balance is key: Achilles was motivated by honor and loyalty, especially after the death of his friend Patroclus. While these values are noble, they need to be balanced with reason and humility, as blind pursuit of revenge or glory can lead to personal ruin.
Ultimately, the story of Achilles emphasizes that strength alone is not enough. True wisdom comes from recognizing and accepting one’s limits.
Joydeep Majumder is a dedicated snooker enthusiast with over 3 years of play time and a deep love for the sport. His passion and love for the sport shines through in his writing as he shares insights, personal stories, and a genuine appreciation for the mental and physical challenges of snooker. Off the table, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with fellow players, aiming to inspire a new generation of snooker aficionados.