Legendary Greek warrior Achilles makes an excellent topic for classically minded tattoo ideas.
Achilles was a great hero of Homer’s Iliad, the strongest warrior in the world, who defeated Hector of Troy in solo combat and led conquering armies. His mother, the sea nymph Thetis, made him invulnerable by dipping him in the River Styx when he was a baby.
Achilles was such a fearsome warrior, that he was only defeated when an arrow took him in the heel (his only unprotected spot and the place where Thetis held him during his dip).
The story of Achilles has given rise to terms such as Achilles’ Heel and Achilles tendon, both of which are used widely in the current English language.
Achilles tattoos show many different styles of the Greek hero, from classic romantic tattoo designs of his face and plumed Greek helmet to imagery mirroring the depiction of Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Achilles in the film Troy.
If you’re looking for a heroic character from Greek Mythology to utilize in tattoo art, this collection of the top 27 Achilles tattoo ideas below will provide you with ample inspiration.
1. Innovative Achilles Tattoo Designs
2. Tattoo Ideas for the Arm
3. Achilles with Helmet
4. Sleeve Tattoo Ideas
5. Leg Tattoos
6. Brad Pitt Inspired Achilles Tattoos
Who was Achilles in Greek Mythology?
Achilles was a great hero of Homer’s Iliad, the strongest warrior in the world, who defeated Hector of Troy in solo combat, and led conquering armies.
His mother, the sea nymph Thetis, made him invulnerable by dipping him in the River Styx when he was a baby.
Achilles was only defeated when an arrow took him in the heel (his only unprotected spot and the place where Thetis held him during his dip).
The story of Achilles is popular in film, music and television, and has also given rise to terms such as Achilles’ Heel, and Achilles tendon, which are used widely in the current English language.
Why do some Achilles tattoos have Brad Pitt’s face?
Hollywood star Brad Pitt played arguably the most memorable film Achilles in the 2004 blockbuster Troy, directed by Wolfgang Peterson.
Troy was a popular success, and along with Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000) was responsible for an increase in interest for ‘sword and sandal’ epics, which were popular movies during the late 1950s and early 60s.
Modern tattoo collectors with an affinity for Ancient Greece and Hollywood are drawn to Pitt’s version of Achilles.
What style of Achilles tattoo should I get?
Achilles tattoos are most often done in classical style, reminiscent of ancient sculptures and art you find in museums. The tattoos utilize black and gray ink along with quality shading and scaling work to create bold, interesting pieces.
Achilles ink that veers away from the classic style uses contemporary tattooing techniques – linework, geometry, and 3D technical applications – to create visually arresting designs ideas.
How much do Achilles Tattoos cost?
I’m of the firm opinion that if you are getting a classical art style piece that you should find a tattoo artist with experience in the style to bring it to life.
This may mean that you pay upwards of $250 per hour for the design and execution, however you will get premier results with a specialist in this style.
Simpler black ink, grayscale, or linework pieces may cost around $150 per hour if etched by a versatile professional tattooist.