Achilles/Patroclus
| Pairing | |
|---|---|
| Pairing: | Achilles/Patroclus |
| Alternative name(s): | Patrochilles |
| Gender category: | m/m |
| Fandom: | Homer, Greek Mythology, The Song of Achilles |
| Canonical?: | in some sources |
| Prevalence: | common |
| Archives: | greek_love on Livejournal |
| Other: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Achilles/Patroclus is one of the most popular ships for fans of Greek mythology, The Iliad, and The Song of Achilles.
Ship History
The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus has been debated as long as their story has been around. A romantic or sexual relationship is not explicit in Homer's works, but it is in other ancient texts. In his work Symposium, Plato has argued that Aeschylus in his Myrmidons(now fragments survived) made a mistake identifying Achilles as the Erastes and Patroclus as the Eromenos, indicating that people in the Classical Antiquity might have viewed them as lovers. Regardless of whether a romantic relationship is canon, their strong friendship and love for each other and their tragic end make for easy shipping.
Descriptions in Iliad
Achilles remains a close relationship with Patroclus throughout Iliad. In Chapter 16, when the Trojans set fire to the ships of the Achaeans Patroclus persuades Achilles to lend him his armour,so the Trojans might mistake him for Achilles therefore retreat. Achilles agrees and Patroclus puts on his armour then rides to the battlefield. After slaying numerous Trojans Patroclus is killed by Hector, which leads to the great grief of Achilles. In the following chapeters, Achilles avenges Patroclus' death by slaying Hector and mutilating his corpse. In Chapter 23 Achilles prepares a grand pyre for Patroclus and hosts his funeral himself.
Fandom
| Examples Wanted: Editors are encouraged to add more examples or a wider variety of examples. |
In 2011, a book named The Song of Achilles written by Madeline Miller was published, which is a retelling from Patroclus' perspective and focuses on the relationship between him and Achilles. The book won the Orange Prize of 2012 and is now a bestseller in the field of Greek Mythology retelling.
In 2023, the relationship won 8th place in the second MLM Ship Bracket Tournament out of 32 entrants.
Example Fanworks
Fanfiction
- as the poets say by jinksandtherebels
Vids
- TSOA Soldier, Poet, King Animatic by JoJammers on Youtube
- A Tiktok edit of the animation set to Army Dreamers, by @_cledits_
- Mystery Of Love | The Song of Achilles Animatic by @gigi2820
Links & Resources
- patchilles, Tumblr blog dedicated to the pairing
- Fanworks tagged Achilles/Patroclus on AO3