Achilles is even portrayed by modern-day actors. Brad Pitt stared as Achilles in the movie Troy. Troy isn't exactly historically accurate but is a very entertaining action movie which also stars Orlando Bloom as Paris. Achilles' death scene is as dramatic as it is in the Iliad, and it even has Paris shooting Achilles through his heel.
A Diagram of the Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is the tendon that runs down the back of the human calf muscles. This tendon tears easily and can take 6-12 months to heal up. The tendon, after it's torn, takes surgery to stitch up the torn area. The dictionary definition of the term Achilles heel is: "Someone's Achilles heel is the weakest point in their character or nature, where it is easiest for other people to attack or criticize them." This spot or Achilles heel for Achilles was his vulnerable heel. This part of his heel was that tendon that ran down the back of his foot. Both terms were named after Achilles.