The Fate of Patroclus in The Iliad Of Homer Throughout The Iliad of Homer, the constant theme of death is inherently apparent. The death of Patroclus in Homer's ''The Iliad'' sets off a chain reaction of further violence. Phthia with his inseparable companion Patroclus. "[28] Later Greek writings such as Plato's Symposium, the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles is discussed as a model of romantic love. Patroclus's death drives Achilles into an emotional rage that leads to a series of events and many deaths, the most iconic of which is Achilles's killing of Hector, after which Achilles drags Hector's corpse behind his chariot in revenge for Patroclus's death. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Achilles and Patroclus are so emotionally close that Patroclus acts as Achilless emotional support. [a][c] This reinforces Dowden's explanation of the relationship between an eromenos, a youth in transition, and an erastes, an older male who had recently made the same transition. Achilles holds him in very high esteem; Edith Hamilton notes that Patroclus "of all men on earth was dearest to [Achilles]." Menoetius gave Patroclus to Peleus, Achilles' father, who named Patroclus Achilles' "squire" as Patroclus and Achilles grew up together, and became close friends. [19] Achilles did not allow the burial of Patroclus' body until the ghost of Patroclus appeared and demanded his burial in order to pass into Hades. The reader views Patroclus as insightful, warm and gentle and arugably too good for Achilles'. PATROCLUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY Patroclus was a famous hero amongst the Achaean forces who besieged Troy, and during the Trojan War, Patroclus was a close friend of Achilles. Each main character, either by a spear or merely a scratch from an arrow, was wounded or killed during the progression of the story. 16 l. 804822), Achilles retrieved his body, which had been stripped of armor by Hector and protected on the battlefield by Menelaus and Ajax. [29] However, Xenophon, in his Symposium, had Socrates argue that it was inaccurate to label their relationship as romantic. Why did Achilles kill Hector? Achilles uses a simile containing a young girl tearfully looking at her mother to complete the comparison. Please read on for an explanation of just who Patroclus is and why he is so important! Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. But why? To settle a 16 l. 460) While fighting, Patroclus' wits were removed by Apollo, after which Patroclus was hit with the spear of Euphorbos. Finally she stands and looks at her son] If you stay here, with me, with your family, you'll have a long, peaceful life. In The Iliad, Patroclus is a close friend and confidant of Achilles, who leads the Greeks in war against the Trojans. [15] Patroclus acted as a male role model for Achilles, as he was both older than Achilles and wise regarding counsel. Patroclus - loyal friend and companion of Achilles in the Trojan War. Although there is no explicit sexual relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in the Homeric tradition, a few later Greek authors wrote about what they saw as implied in the text regarding their relationship. Patroclus is killed in the bloody fighting by the Trojan prince Hector, who mistakes him for Achilles, and the real Achilles is utterly distraught. His close relationship with Patroclus means that Patroclus's death is enough of a driver to push Achilles into decisive action that pushes the plot forward and gives Achilles a reason to act. 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