Patroclus

Patroclus (left) and Achilles (right)

Patroclus (Ancient Greek: Πάτροκλος, Pátroklos - "glory of the father") was a central figure in Homer's Iliad. He was the son of Menoetius, and is most famous as being the lover of Achilles.

During the Trojan War, Achilles refuses to fight after a quarrel with Agamemnon, leader of the Greek forces, over a woman, Briseis. Patroclus, with Achilles' permission, then dons Achilles' armor and leads the Myrmidons into battle. The Greeks, thinking him to be Achilles, are roused into a frenzy as they begin to beat the Trojans back. He managed to kill Sarpedon when he charged into battle. However, the ruse is discovered as Patroclus is soon killed by the Trojan prince Hector. The death of Patroclus is a key event in the Iliad, as it serves as the catalyst of Achilles' legendary rage.

Patroclus Media

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  Patroclus on an antique fresco in Pompeii

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  A fresco in Pompeii depicting Achilles seated between Briseis and Patroclus in the marquee

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  The body of Patroclus is lifted by Menelaus and Meriones while Odysseus and others look on (Etruscan relief, 2nd century BC)

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  A cup depicting Achilles bandaging Patroclus' arm, by the Sosias Painter.

Related pages

• 617 Patroclus

Other websites

• "The Exact Date of the Deaths of Patroclus and Hector: Was It June 6th-7th, 1218 B.C.?". Stavros Papamarinopoulos. Q-mag.org.