Patroclus grew up alongside Achilles after his own father sent him into exile as a boy, following an accidental killing, and he became Achilles's inseparable companion at Troy, older but subordinate to him in status and famed skill. The Iliad's account of their bond, whether read as close friendship or something more, is one of the most discussed relationships in ancient literature; later Greek writers, including the historian Herodotus's contemporaries and the tragedian Aeschylus, generally read them as lovers.
Wearing Achilles's Armor
With the Greeks pushed back to their ships and Achilles still refusing to fight, Patroclus begs to be allowed to lead the Myrmidons into battle wearing Achilles's own armor, hoping the Trojans will mistake him for Achilles and lose heart. The plan works almost too well: Patroclus routs the Trojans and nearly takes the city before overreaching, killing the god Apollo's favorite Sarpedon and pressing his luck too far.
Death and Consequence
Apollo strips Patroclus of his armor and stuns him in the fighting; Hector then delivers the killing blow, taking Achilles's armor as a trophy. Patroclus's death is the emotional turning point of the Iliad: it breaks Achilles's anger at Agamemnon and replaces it with an even greater rage against Hector and the Trojans, driving the poem's final books.
Parentage
Mortal parent: Menoetius of Opus
Wholly mortal parentage; sent to Phthia as a boy after accidentally killing another child in a dice-game quarrel.
Key Deeds
•Grew up as Achilles's closest companion in Phthia and at Troy
•Led the Myrmidons into battle wearing Achilles's armor
•Routed the Trojans and killed Sarpedon, son of Zeus
•Was killed by Hector after Apollo stripped him of his armor
Fate
Killed by Hector in battle after the god Apollo stunned him and stripped away his borrowed armor; his death drives Achilles back into the war.
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Then Apollo struck Patroclus on the back and shoulders with the flat of his hand, and his eyes were darkened.”
