The Iliad/Book 16

Patroclus

Menoetius’s son Patroclus was the leader in the war for the Acheans. Due to Achilles' unwillingness to become involved in the battle, Patroclus asked to wear his armor and fight only long enough to save the ships. Achilles' armor, warn by Patroclus, intimidated the Trojans and caused them to flee. During this moment Patroclus disobeyed Achilles' order and followed them back to the gates of Troy where Patroclus fought and killed Zeus’ son, Sarpedon. Zeus was tempted to intervene and pluck Sarpedon up and let him lie in the land of Lychia since he was getting beaten so badly. Zeus’ wife, Queen Hera protested against this but told Zeus to do as he wished. Zeus allowed the war to go on and Sarpedon was killed. Sarpedon’s dying words to Glaucus was to avenge his death. Glaucus was injured, he cried a prayer to Apollo, and his injuries were instantly healed and he then prepared for battle. Hector was the hero. The Acheans and the Trojans fought over Sarpedon’s dead body until Zeus told Apollo to have Sleep and Death take Sarpedon’s body into the river and bathe him, anoint him with deathless oils, and take him to Lychia’s green land. During the battle Hector was forced to retreat because he knew that Zeus had tipped the scales against him. Zeus stirred up Apollo’s wrath and he incited Hector to move onward and forward. Apollo attacked Patroclus himself and then Panthous’ son; Euphorbus speared him squarely between the shoulder blades, then Hector finished him off. Patroclus’ dying words were that if Hector had not had the help of the gods, twenty men like him could not have killed him. He told Hector that his days were numbered too. Hector asks, “why prophesize my sudden death, my doom?” He planted his foot in Patroclus’ chest, took the spear from his wound and kicked him over. Patroclus is dead.