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Patroklos In The Iliad

787 Words4 Pages

In The Iliad, Homer presents the reader with an exceedingly complex conundrum regarding who should take responsibility for the death of Patroklos. At first glance Patroklos appears to have brought about his own demise, but it was Achilles who was ultimately responsible for his death. Achilles and Patroklos hold equal culpability for the end of Patroklos’ death, mainly resulting from the great pride each man holds more dearly than friendship in the moment of battle.

Achilles is ultimately liable in Patroklos’ death. Despite his warnings of what hazard the armor could bring, he thinks selfishly of himself and allows Patroklos to wear the deeply protective equipment. At first Achilles …show more content…

Achilles’ desire for glory blinds him into releasing the danger on his friend “…you may win honor and glory for me from the whole nation.” Achilles knows that Patroklos’ pride is fervent, which keeps him from fully contemplating the consequences of what he wants to do. “You might be some little girl running to her mother…that’s what you look like, my dear man, crying like that.” () Achilles knows that his companion is in no state to truly focus on the warnings presented before him, yet arrogantly allows the exchange of armor to take place. The reason of Patroklos is in danger for wearing Achilles armor lies in the fact that others on the battlefield will think he is his extraordinarily strong friend. The danger in this situation is that while Patroklos does in fact wear Achilles’ great armor, he has nowhere near the strength Achilles possesses. Patroklos may fight skillfully and courageously, but he cannot possibly live up to the standard placed upon him by those who assume he is Achilles. In addition, Hector is a great warrior and the Trojan military is pressing upon …show more content…

Hector feels this same arrogance after murdering Patroklos, although he receives the assistance of two gods before he is able to complete this simple task. In the end Achilles anger and pride which drove most of the book forward caused Patroklos untimely

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