Patroclus
heroΠάτροκλος
Achilles' beloved companion
Patroclus was Achilles' closest companion whose death in borrowed armour at Hector's hands was the turning point of the Iliad.
The Myth
When Achilles withdrew from battle, Patroclus begged to fight in his armour. He fought brilliantly but was killed by Apollo, Euphorbus, and Hector. His death shattered Achilles' resolve. Achilles' grief is among the most powerful expressions of love and loss in ancient literature.
Parents
Menoetius and Sthenele
Children
None recorded
Symbols
borrowed armourchariotfuneral pyre
Fun Fact
The bond between Achilles and Patroclus became the archetypal model of devoted friendship in Western literature.