“I will pursue Hector who has slain him whom I loved so dearly” (Homer). Were these the words of a heartbroken wife? Or a mistress? No, these were the words of Achilles, the protagonist of the Iliad and the hero of the Trojan War. Achilles is one of the oldest and well-known characters of all time. Scholars in antiquity and artists have fallen in love with his character, inspiring artwork and works of reimagined literature and lots of discourse. One topic of discourse that has plagued both scholars and readers alike is whether the “love” that Achilles references in the Iliad for Patroclus, his closest companion, was heterosexual or homosexual. Homer never explicitly states the nature of their relationship in his epic poem, but he leaves many hints and clues. Through reading and analysis, it is abundantly clear that the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus was of a homosexual nature, due to events that take place in the story and the societal aspects of the time period.
The Iliad, written by …show more content…
Without his death, Achilles would not felt the need to avenge his beloved and would not have rejoined the battle and the Greeks ultimately would have lost the war. While Achilles knew that killing Hector would lead to his death, he did it anyway because he was so overcome with grief. Homer describes the moment Achilles is told about Patroclus’ death in Book XVIII of the Iliad, saying “A dark cloud of grief fell upon Achilles as he listened... He flung himself down all huge and hugely at full length, and tore his hair with his hands.” (Homer). After days of dragging Hector’s body around Troy, Achilles finally buries Patroclus’ ashes and gives Hectors body back to his family. Shortly after this, Achilles is killed by Paris, with the help of Apollo. Achilles and Patroclus’ ashes are mingled together in the same urn so that they will be together in the Underworld, and there is a grave built in their
The Iliad, written by …show more content…
Without his death, Achilles would not felt the need to avenge his beloved and would not have rejoined the battle and the Greeks ultimately would have lost the war. While Achilles knew that killing Hector would lead to his death, he did it anyway because he was so overcome with grief. Homer describes the moment Achilles is told about Patroclus’ death in Book XVIII of the Iliad, saying “A dark cloud of grief fell upon Achilles as he listened... He flung himself down all huge and hugely at full length, and tore his hair with his hands.” (Homer). After days of dragging Hector’s body around Troy, Achilles finally buries Patroclus’ ashes and gives Hectors body back to his family. Shortly after this, Achilles is killed by Paris, with the help of Apollo. Achilles and Patroclus’ ashes are mingled together in the same urn so that they will be together in the Underworld, and there is a grave built in their