How is Patroclus described in the Iliad?

In The Iliad, Patroclus is a close friend and confidant of Achilles, who leads the Greeks in war against the Trojans. Achilles and Patroclus are so emotionally close that Patroclus acts as Achilles’ emotional support.

What kind of person was Patroclus?

Patroclus’ story is most famously told in Homer’s (c. 750 BCE) Iliad, a retelling of the great Trojan War and one of the most epic stories of all time. He is portrayed as a kind and loyal man, loved by his comrades and cherished by Achilles.

What was special about Patroclus?

Patroclus defied Achilles’ order and pursued the Trojans back to the gates of Troy. Patroclus killed many Trojans and Trojan allies, including a son of Zeus, Sarpedon. While fighting, Patroclus’ wits were removed by Apollo, after which Patroclus was hit by the spear of Euphorbos.

What are Patroclus strengths?

One of Patroclus’s strengths makes it into both accounts: he does not possess extraordinary strength or magical powers but, crucially, is able to criticise and act against Achilles’ wishes. Yet Miller’s Patroclus, lacking the ability to fight and defend himself, often seems completely helpless.

Why is Patroclus a hero?

During the Trojan War, Patroclus was a valiant soldier. When the Trojans had taken the advantage and were threatening the Greek ships, Patroclus convinced Achilles to let him become the leader of the army and repel the enemy. So, Patroclus wore Achilles’ army and led the soldiers to battle successfully.

What does the death of Patroclus symbolize?

Patroclus’ death was one of the most poignant and powerful scenes in the Iliad. It reveals the futility of mortals endeavoring to go against the gods and the price of reckless behavior. Recklessness and arrogance are recurring themes throughout the epic.

Was Patroclus a good warrior?

Not only was he invulnerable, he was a sound, passionate warrior. When the Trojan War came about, he was glad to join into the conflict and he brought along his boon companion Patroclus. Homer’s epic poem The Illiad recounts Patroclus as a bold warrior, as well, but offers few other details.

What did Patroclus smell like?

He seemed to swell beneath my touch, to ripen. He smelled like almonds and earth.

Was Patroclus a hero?

Patroclus was a famous hero amongst the Achaean forces who besieged Troy, and during the Trojan War, Patroclus was a close friend of Achilles.

What was Achilles personality like?

According to legend, Achilles was extraordinarily strong, courageous and loyal, but he had one vulnerability–his “Achilles heel.” Homer’s epic poem The Iliad tells the story of his adventures during the last year of the Trojan War.

What did Patroclus smell like?

He seemed to swell beneath my touch, to ripen. He smelled like almonds and earth.

Was Patroclus a good fighter?

As a warrior, Patroclus was not considered one of the greats like his best friend Achilles, but Patroclus played a major role in the Greek victory over the Trojan host.

Who did Patroclus love?

Achilles
Achilles and Patroclus in love

In Plato’s Symposium (179E-180B), the character Phaedrus mentions that Achilles and Patroclus were lovers, mentioning a play by Aeschylus that we only know in fragments, the Myrmidons, in which the playwright mentions the “many kisses” between them.

Does Patroclus have dark skin?

In the cases of the art you have shown here, the leftmost one is likely a rendition of Madeline Miller’s “Song of Achilles” where Achilles has tan skin and blonde hair, and Patroclus has dark skin & hair both.

Did Patroclus cheat Achilles?

There are some scenes which seem a bit odd and don’t really sit comfortably with the rest of the narrative – the river-god-fighting, and a very odd scene in which Patroclus has sex with Achilles’ wife, thereby cheating on his boyfriend by committing adultery with his boyfriend’s wife, which seems Not Okay to me – but …