The greatest of the Greek warriors in Greek mythology, Achilles was the son of the sea goddess, Thetis, and a mortal king, Peleus. Fate foretold of Achilles' glory on the battlefield, but in chasing that glory, he was destined to live a brief but celebrated life. His story has been interpreted and retold countless times, with the Homeric epic poem, The Iliad, being the most detailed account of his achievements.