In the Iliad, Homer describes a deep and meaningful relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, where Achilles is tender toward Patroclus but callous and arrogant toward others. Its exact nature has been a subject of dispute in both the classical period and modern times. Achilles - best warrior and most heroic of the Greeks, although he is sitting out the war.
Patroclus was then cremated on a funeral pyre, which was covered in the hair of his sorrowful companions. Achilles recognised that the destruction of the fleet would be disastrous, and so Achilles agreed that Patroclus could defend the ships, but when the defence was successful he must return to his tent. Asius - a Phrygian leader and brother of Hecuba. Next: Major Characters in Book XVI. The Myrmidons thus entered the fight once again, with Patroclus, clad in Achilles’ armour riding a chariot, driven by Automedon, at the fore. And at Troy, Patroclus was killed by Hector, the greatest warrior on the Trojan side. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is a key element of the stories associated with the Trojan War.Its exact nature has been a subject of dispute in both the Classical period and modern times. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is a key element of the myths associated with the Trojan War. Patroclus (Glory of the Father). Patroclus, or Patrokles or Patroklus, is the comrade and chariot driver of the famous warrior Achilles in Greek mythology.They are described as sharing a bond that is closer than brothers. Patroclus was the son of Menoetius in Greek mythology, and best friend of the hero Achilles.His father was one of the Argonauts, while many different women have been mentioned as Patroclus' mother; Polymele, Sthenele, and Periopis.. Patroclus - loyal friend and companion of Achilles in the Trojan War. Achilles retrieved his body, which had been stripped of armor by Hector and protected on the battlefield by Menelaus and Ajax. Hector - champion of the Trojans and son of Priam. Patroclus adds that Achilles will soon kill Hector. Patroclus donned Achilles's armor--except for his ash spear, which only Achilles could wield--and went into battle as a direct substitute (what Nickel refers to as "doublet") for Achilles. In the Iliad, it is clear that the two heroes have a deep and extremely meaningful friendship, but the evidence of a romantic or sexual element is equivocal. 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 son of Menoetius. Upon word of the death of Patroclus, Achilles finally agreed to fight with the Greeks.