Are Achilles and Patroclus lovers in the Iliad?

It is clear that Achilles and Patroclus had an incredibly deep, intimate bond. But nothing between them in the Iliad is explicitly romantic or sexual. Because many Greeks of the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, centuries later after the Iliad was written, did portray Achilles and Patroclus as lovers.

What did Patroclus do in the Iliad?

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 with the spear of Euphorbos.

Do Patroclus and Achilles get together?

Thetis is angry to learn that Patroclus is there with Achilles, but she cannot see them there on the mountain. When Achilles learns this, he tells Patroclus and they kiss and have sex in the cave.

What are Achilles instructions to Patroclus?

Achilles reasoning is that he does not want his best friend to be killed as anyone wearing Achilles’s armor will be targeted by Hector. Patroclus disobeys the instructions to only fight long enough to save the Greek ships and instead pursues the Trojans all the way to the gates of Troy.

What did Achilles do when Patroclus died?

The earlier steadfast and unbreakable Achilles agonizes, touching Patroclus’ dead body, smearing himself with ash and fasting. He laments Patroclus’ death using language very similar to that later used by Andromache of Hector. After defeating Hector, Achilles drags his corpse by the heels behind his chariot.

Why did Deidamia sleep with Patroclus?

Because Lycomedes is old and ailing, Deidameia runs the island, acting as its surrogate ruler. Heartbroken and jealous of Achilles’s love for Patroclus, Deidameia summons Patroclus to have sex with her, which he does; he notes that she seemed to want something more from him, which he was unable to provide.

Did Achilles really love Patroclus?

As a rule, the post-classical tradition shows Achilles as heterosexual and having an exemplary platonic friendship with Patroclus.

How is Patroclus related to Achilles in the Iliad?

Achilles and Patroclus are so emotionally close that Patroclus acts as Achilles’s emotional support. When Patroclus asks Achilles for permission to push back the enemy Trojans, Achilles reluctantly agrees. However, the interference of a Greek god leads to Patroclus’s death at the hands of Hector.

What happens when Patroklos puts on Achilles armor?

When he puts on Achilles’ armor, he tries to assume Achilles’ identity, and as a result, he tries a feat that is beyond his own strength. That is, Patroklos tries to lead the Achaian attack on the city of Troy, despite the fact that Achilles has warned him not to attempt to do anything except protect the Achaian fleet of ships.

Why was Achilles not at the battle with the Trojans?

Achilles mourning Patrocles, John Flaxman, 1795. Achilles and Patroclus are close comrades in the war against the Trojans. Due to his anger at being dishonored by Agamemnon, Achilles chooses not to participate in the battle.

Why was Patroklos important to homer in the Iliad?

While certain customs must be followed in such relationships, the spirit of the code is of greater importance to these two warriors. Homer demonstrates the heroic and familiar love between the two men and the obvious bond of mutual respect extending beyond the warrior-companion relationship. Patroklos makes no speeches in the Iliad.