The Iliad and the Fate Of Patroclus :: Iliad essays

The Iliad and the Fate Of Patroclus Throughout The Iliad Of Homer, the constant theme of death is inherently apparent. Each main character, either by a spear or merely a scratch from an arrow, was wounded or killed during the progression of the story. For Zeus son, Sarpedon, it was a spear through the heart, and for Hector, it was the bronze of the mighty Achilles through his neck which caused his early demise. It seems that no one could escape an agonizing fate. Of these deaths, the most interesting and intriguing death of all is that of Achilles dear friend Patroclus. Although his life history was taken by the mighty Hectors spear, who was actually liable for his death? The intricate story line of The Iliad makes many possible answers available, but only one possibility accurately explains the actions and events that led to this gruesome episode. Patrocles was prudent for his own death. First of all, Patrocles was responsible for his own death because he requested h is insertion into the meshing, fully knowing that the Achaeans were being unmercifully defeated. In Book 16 , Patroclus said, Send me forth now at the head of the Myrmidon host That I may be a light of hope to the Danaans. And let me strap on my shoulders that armor of yours That the zealous Trojans take me for you and quickly Withdraw from the fighting. Because Achilles refused to help the Achaeans battle the Trojans, a discontented Patroclus took the matter into his own hands by requesting activation into battle disguised as Achilles in the hope of sending the Trojans into a full retreat from the sight of him. It is apparent that Patroclus was willing to fight although the odds were greatly against him. His wildness towards the Trojans coupled with his disappointment of Achilles gave him the drive to conquer the Trojan army with or without the aid of Achilles. In doing so, Patroclus took an enormous risk that the Trojans would fall for his trick, a risk wi th his life as the stakes. Essentially, while pleading to Achilles for battle, it was his own dark death for which he plead.