Achilles and Patroklos

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Recommended: Compare the character of Achilles with that of Hector from the illiad

Achilles and Patroklos

I think the reason that Achilles allows Patroklos to fight is because Achilles knows that the Greeks need all the help they can get. The Trojans are very near to their ships and without some great miracle, the Greeks will be defeated. When Patroklos comes to Achilles with the idea of going out in his armor and fighting to try to muster the Greek troops and frighten the Trojans, Achilles is taken in by his dear friend’s plea. Achilles gives in because he knows how much this opportunity will mean to Patroklos, who has always stood in Achilles’ shadow. So as to give his friend an opportunity to gain honor through battle and become great, Achilles allows Patroklos to enter the battle wearing his armor and with his blessing, even though he places a few stipulations on him.

I had a hard time examining why exactly Achilles placed those limitations on Patroklos. At first I wanted to believe that it was just Achilles trying to be a good friend and make sure that his friend did not end up getting killed. However, the longer and more I looked at it, the more it seemed like Achilles was trying to save face with the Greeks. He decides that his ego is still too damaged to return to the battle himself, so instead he sends his friend. It is very convenient that Patroklos is practically begging him for his consent. Achilles grudgingly gives his approval while still making sure that his own kleos is not damaged by Patroklos’ newfound bravery. He makes Patroklos promise that he will not continue to fight the Trojans after they have been pushed away from the Greek ships, but to allow the rest of the army to move ahead and finish the battle. He also must promise, once the Trojans are on the retreat, to come and get him so that the two of them can share the glory of finishing off the Trojans. Whether these boundaries were placed on Patroklos for his safety, or the safety of Achilles honor, makes a huge difference in the character of Achilles.

If these limits were given to Patroklos just to save Achilles’ ego in the eyes of the Trojans and Greeks alike, then he is perhaps one of the most arrogant, self-serving men that has ever lived, in myth or real life.

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