Patroclus In The Iliad

Certain individuals in classics, such as the Iliad, possess similar qualities that are the criterion of ancient Greek heroes. Characteristics, like honor, loyalty, an individual’s favoring by the gods, accomplishments in battle, and fatal flaws are essential to each hero. Therefore, when identifying an individual in one of Homer’s epics as a hero, it is crucial that he possesses these traits. Patroclus is a character that conspicuously displays these traits. Therefore, within the Iliad, the term “hero” is best characterized by Patroclus’s loyalty to Achilles and the Greek army, adroitness in battle, and hubris. Loyalty is a trait that Patroclus, indubitably, possesses. As the Trojan forces suppress the Achaeans, Patroclus loyally stays by Achilles’s side and out of battle. He understands that his assistance will aid the Achaeans significantly; however, he does not allow battle to sever his loyalty to who prefers to avoid the assault. However, Patroclus does not forget his loyalties to the Achaean army. After seeing the intensity of the Greek’s suffering and hearing Nestor’s plea, Patroclus decides to engage in battle,
When Patroclus enters the conflict, bearing Achilles’s armor, the Trojans frantically retreat from the Greek ships. Then, Patroclus, seemingly invincible, takes the opportunity to slaughter every Trojan he encounters. One aspect separates Patroclus from the other powerful men in battle, however. Even though he is a formidable warrior, Patroclus is capable of feeling empathy for others. His empathy is what prevents him from becoming a fighter as brutal as Achilles or Hector. Nevertheless, as an empathetic fighter, Patroclus kills some of the most proficient Trojan men, like Sarpedon and Cebriones. These feats prove that an empathetic man of battle can still be omnipotent upon the field; hence, Patroclus’s triumphs in combat further add to his classification as a Homeric