Book 23, Iliad. 22-27

“Farewell, Patroclus, even there in the House of Death!

Look—all that I promised once I am performing now:

I’ve dragged Hector here for the dogs to rip him raw—

and here in front of your flaming pyre I’ll cut the throats

of a dozen sons of Troy in all their shining glory,

venting my rage on them for your destruction!”

Once again, Homers’ description in this passage shows us the importance of the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles. Not only he did not bury him before avenging his death, in addition, he made sure that his body was honored and buried as a hero.

What is interesting and what stands out here though, is the close relationship they have had. Until Patroclus was killed, Achilles had little impact on the war, but from that point, it became his war. The rage and fury he possessed, made him extremely determined to avenge Patroclus’ death.

The idea that Patroclus and Achilles were lovers is quite old. However, there is a lot of support for their relationship in the text of the Iliad itself, though Homer never makes it explicit. Yet, there are some people who reject the idea that Achilles and Patroclus were lovers. What is clear from the text, however, is that the two men loved each other deeply, and that they had been close since they were young. 

I believe, that the physical devastation Achilles had for Patroclus spoke deeply to me of a true intimacy between the two men.