Welcome back to Everyday Tarot! Season 16 is devoted to queer deities, and today, we turn to Achilles—the near-invincible hero of the Iliad, son of a sea goddess, warrior of Troy.

What we explore in this episode:

• The myth of Achilles

• Achilles as a queer archetype

• Tarot cards resonant with Achilles: The Chariot, The Strength, The Lovers, 9 of Pentacles

The Myth of Achilles

Achilles, son of the sea goddess Thetis and the mortal king Peleus, was destined for both greatness and tragedy. To protect him, his mother dipped him into the River Styx—rendering him invulnerable everywhere except the heel she held. Famed as the mightiest warrior of the Trojan War, Achilles’ power was matched only by his heart’s depth. His love for Patroclus, his closest c ...