Introduction
Patroclus was a close companion of Achilles from boyhood, having been sent to foster with Peleus's household after accidentally killing a playmate. He fought alongside Achilles throughout much of the Trojan War.
Family
- No further family relationships recorded in this tree.
The Death That Changed the War
When Achilles refused to rejoin the fighting after his quarrel with Agamemnon, Patroclus persuaded him to lend his armor so that Patroclus could lead the Myrmidons back into battle and rally the faltering Achaeans. Patroclus succeeded brilliantly at first, but was ultimately killed by Hector, who stripped Achilles's armor from his body. Patroclus's death is the single event that brings Achilles back into the war, setting up his climactic duel with Hector.
As with all figures of Greek heroic legend, sources diverge on many particulars; the account above follows the most widely transmitted classical tradition.