The Song of Achilles focuses on the loss of innocence and the tragic journey Achilles sets out on. Crossing the threshold in coming of age stories typically consists of the first time the hero comes to terms with his journey, the start of something great. Conversely, in a tragic journey, the hero is setting out on an adventure that will lead to their inevitable death. Generally, in tragic Hero’s Journeys, the hero knows that they are destined to fail, and yet they set out anyway, determined to change their fate. By taking their fate into their own hands, the hero dies by their own hands. Driven by his honor, Achilles accepts his call to adventure by going to war. Up to this point, Achilles is still a boy, young, innocent, and not ready for
