Blog Post 03/02

Throughout many of the books, I have noticed the relationship that Achilles and Patroclus have had. Specifically in book 18 of The Iliad, I realize how strong their bond really was. Once Achilles hears of Patroclus' death, he completely loses himself. It seemed like such a strong bond that even Antilochos feared that, "Achilles might cut his throat with the iron" (Book XVIII. Line 34). Achilles  is seen in shambles, throwing dirt on his face and letting out such a loud cry that even his own mother, Thetis, hears him from the depths of the sea; she quickly comes to him to hear his sorrows even though she knew exactly what it was. A second time it is said that he let out a cry so loud that when he went to show his face in the battlefield, in front of the Trojans, they immediately fled from fighting over Patroclus' body because of the outburst Achilles made. These instances truly show that the bond was strong and that it Patroclus wasn't just an ordinary person to him. He meant a lot to Achilles as he was heartbroken by the news of his death.