IF...

Chapter Zero:

If you were to change one event or chapter from the Iliad, and replace it with your own story, what chapter or episode will that be?

Write your “version” of the story.

Narrate how it will affect the entire story or ending of the Iliad.

The Death of Patroclus

The death of Patroclus seems to more central to the eventual demise of Hector and the surrender of Troy, as it was his death which fueled Achilles to take on Hector and the Trojans.

If Patroclus did not disobey Achilles’ orders to withdraw immediately once the Achaean ships were secure, he would not have fallen victim to the intervention of the Olympian gods (Apollo) who took sides in the battle of the Trojans and the Myrmidon-Achaeans.

He would not have died, nor would his body be left in the field by Hector. There would have been less number of men lost in the Myrmidon-Achaean side.

He would have been alive and the final battle leading to the surrender of Troy would have involved him and Achilles.

Had the comrades faced Hector in battle, anything could happen – either a bloody end to the Trojans or a shaky truce between the Trojans and Myrmidon-Achaeans, possibly with the Myrmidon-Achaeans calling the shots.

Why these hypothetical circumstances will not happen

In Greek mythology and values, it appears that valiantry and adherence to strict military code are strongly emphasized, with the somewhat distorted perception of heroism, meaning that a hero/warrior must always be willing to die.

The ancient Greeks also followed a very strict tradition of compulsory burial or cremation for fallen warriors, hence this explains Achilles’ grit (Book 18) to reclaim the body of Patroclus from Trojan soil.

Hence it is not surprising that the Iliad strives to paint a picture of blood-lust and revenge, and that the most valiant warriors were always meant to be sacrificed. A warrior who fights till the end is automatically a hero and will never lose face, even to his enemy.

Another aspect of the ancient Greek value system is the concept of divine intervention, or simply the meddling with human life by Olympian gods. This is shown in Book 20, where Zeus lifts the ban on the gods’ meddling with human activity, where the aggrieved and enraged Achilles rampages the Trojans. Perhaps it was Homer’s way to make the story a bit more exciting….as even elements in the environment take a mind of their own to try to put down the rage of Achilles, eg. The river Skamandros protesting how Achilles dumped the Trojans he killed into its waters, and how a firestorm quells it down.

Overall, had Patroclus not met his death at the gates of Troy, it would have modified somewhat the events leading to the ending of the Iliad. Very likely, because of sheer numbers of characters on the side of the Myrmidons-Achaeans, the Trojans will eventually surrender. But the things that will always be present in the story are the bloody battle scenes and the recurrent meddling by the gods in human affairs.

PATROCLUS

3. PATROCLOS (also: Patroclus) a. What could be the possible “reactions” of both the Trojan and Greek army when they realized that it was Patroclus who was killed? Give a narration for both sides. b. Based on these reactions, who was Patroclus as a warrior, and as a man?

Patroclus

First of all, who is Patroclus?

Patroclus was the son of Menoetius and was Achilles’ beloved comrade and lover. He is on the side of the Greeks led by Achilles.

Although most warriors fought for personal fame or their city state, Achilles emphasizes his relationship with Patroclus above all else. He dreams that all Greeks would die so that he and Patroclus might gain the fame of conquering Troy alone.

Achilles sent out Patroclus into the battlefield. Why? Because Achilles still don’t want to fight. The Trojans including Hector turned their back when Patroclus entered into the war. He was able to kill many Trojans despite of his limited skills. But later on he was killed by Hector. The Trojans rejoiced for this kill but moments later they found out that it was not Achilles who died but Patroclus.

The Greeks mourned for the death of Patroclus. They also realized that this happening can lead to a war. Patroclus was Achilles’ comrade and he might revenge for his death. Achilles agonized by touching his dead body, smearing himself with ash, and fasting. He laments Patroclus' death using language very similar to that later used by Andromache of Hector. Achilles returns to the battlefield with the aim of avenging himself upon Hector, Patroclus' killer, even though the Gods had warned him that it would cost him his life.

For me, Patroclus was a courageous warrior. He fought for the Achaeans without having second thoughts. He is a determined person and has a strong principle in life. That’s what makes him a glorious warrior. The Achaean army was lucky to have him and his legacy will remain forever. He will not be removed in the minds and hearts of the Greeks. He is someone to be proud of by the Achaean army.