the involvement of Patroclus in Trojan war

 

Discuss the involvement of Patroclus in Trojan war.

 

Ans. Patroclus is a minor character in The Iliad. However, he is the most intimate friend of Achilles. We rarely see Patroclus as an individual. But he alone can churn the emotion of Achilles. The death of Patroclus has brought in a sea change in the entire episode. So long Achilles is watching the war like a silent spectator. But the death of Patroclus brings about vital change. Achilles realises that his inaction is responsible for his friend's death. He wants to appease his fury by punishing Trojans, particularly venting his ire on Hector. After the death of Patroclus Achilles realises for the first time that glory is no longer a matter of individual satisfaction. After the death of Patroclus, his dearest friend he admits, destiny for us both to stain the same soil'. Now Achilles is able to accept his own mortality.