THE SONG OF ACHILLES

BY MADELINE MILLER
SUMMARY
Jelea S. Magallanes Grade 11 STEM Cubar
CHAPTER 1
Patroclus, the narrator, describes his father, a king from a long series of kings.
Due to her big dowry, Patroclus' father married Patroclus' mother when she was 14
years old. Patroclus' father didn't understand his wife was "simple" until her mother
smiled at their wedding; brides were not meant to smile at their nuptials. Patroclus is a
disappointment to his father because he is born undersized and with no visible qualities.
Patroclus' father hosts the Olympic games when he is five years old. Patroclus recalls
seeing King Peleus's young son win a race. Patroclus' father is embarrassed because
his son is more talented.
CHAPTER 2
Patroclus and his father travel to Sparta when he is nine years old to promote
Patroclus as a potential suitor for King Tyndareus' daughter Helen. Patroclus recalls
being in the vast hall with the other suitors, all of whom were Greek rulers. Patroclus
observes as the men present their costly gifts to King Tyndareus: Heracles' bow, a rare
double-headed ax, and a gorgeously coloured linen. Before Odysseus advises that
Patroclus present himself and their gift, a gold bowl carved with a narrative about Zeus,
Patroclus' father presents himself on his behalf. King Tyndareus questions Odysseus
about the procession of suitors.
Odysseus is perplexed as to how the losers will be persuaded not to declare war
on the suitor who wins Helen's hand in marriage. Odysseus advises that Helen make
the decision, but before she does, the men must vow to protect Helen's choice and
come together if anyone ever takes her. The men all agree and take a blood oath
together in the hall. Helen chooses Menelaus, Agamemnon's brother who is already
married to Helen's sister, Clytemnestra. When Ajax inquires about marrying Tyndareus'
niece, Odysseus informs them that she has already been betrothed to him. Patroclus'
father is irritated and disappointed, and they leave that evening.
CHAPTER 3
While Patroclus, 10, is outdoors playing with dice, a highborn lad named
Clysonymus appears and bullies Patroclus. Patroclus pushes Clysonymus and watches
in horror as his head hits a stone and cracks open, killing him. Patroclus' father exiles
him to the kingdom of Phthia to avert a conflict. Patroclus is familiar with the legend of
Phthia's King Peleus, who impregnated the sea-nymph Thetis. Thetis gave Peleus a
son, then abandoned him after a year, only coming sometimes to see her child. When
Patroclus arrives in Phthia, he is taken to the palace to meet Peleus' son, Achilles, who
is the same youngster Patroclus saw during the Olympic games years before.
Patroclus first encounters Achilles when he is playing the lyre. They exchange
names, and Achilles greets Patroclus when he arrives in Phthia. Patroclus discovers
later that he is not the only orphan being cared for in the palace. One of the boys
approaches Patroclus and asks if he wants to play dice, but Patroclus declines, recalling
that the last time he played dice was when he accidently killed Clysonymus. Patroclus
has nightmares about Clysonymus that night and many nights after.
CHAPTER 4
When the other lads in the palace learn that Patroclus was exiled because he
killed a boy, they fear him. Patroclus begins to avoid his classes. Achilles meets
Patroclus one day and informs him that the master of the classes has observed and
reported Patroclus' absence to Peleus. Achilles takes Patroclus to his lyre lessons to
avoid punishment, knowing that Peleus will pardon Patroclus' absence if he is with
Achilles. Achilles plays Patroclus' mother's lyre, which Peleus gave to Patroclus upon
his arrival in Phthia. Patroclus keeps his mother's instrument a secret from Achilles.
Patroclus is captivated by Achilles' musical ability. They go to see Peleus after the
lecture.
CHAPTER 5
Patroclus agrees to be Achilles' therapon, or brother-in-arms. A brother-in-arms
swears blood oath and devotion to a prince and becomes the prince's most trusted
adviser. Achilles informs Patroclus that he must go train when Peleus offers his
blessing. Before departing, Achilles reminds Patroclus of a prophecy stating that he will
be the greatest warrior of his generation. Achilles asks Patroclus to spend the night in
his room. Before they go to bed that night, Achilles teaches Patroclus how to juggle.
Patroclus gradually grows accustomed to his friendship with Achilles and the new
benefits that friendship gives. Achilles grants Patroclus the rare honor of seeing him
train one afternoon. Patroclus is so taken with Achilles' grace and sword- and spear-
wielding abilities that he challenges him to a duel. Patroclus jumps at Achilles when he
refuses, but is swiftly subdued. Patroclus describes Achilles as unlike anyone he has
ever met or seen.
CHAPTER 6
Patroclus tells Achilles the story of how he killed Clysonymus a year after his
exile. Achilles remarks that he has never been bullied, so he is unsure how he would
have reacted to Clysonymus, but he assures Patroclus that he, too, would have been
enraged. Patroclus begins spending more time with King Peleus and frequently listens
to Peleus' childhood stories. The only place Patroclus does not accompany Achilles is
the cave where he visits his sea-nymph mother, Thetis. During Patroclus' second spring
in Phthia, Achilles informs him that Thetis wishes to visit him. Patroclus is saddened
when he notices Thetis's contempt for him. Patroclus is told by Thetis that he will die
soon and that Achilles will become a god. Later that evening, Achilles tells Patroclus
that he isn't sure if he wants to be a deity, but he is confident he wants to be a hero.
CHAPTER 7
Achilles and Patroclus are thirteen years old now. Their bodies begin to change,
and they notice that the other lads in the palace begin sleeping with women. Peleus tells
Achilles and Patroclus one night of Meleager, the strongest warrior of his time, and how
he refused to battle after Calydon's king refused to give Meleager his riches. Calydon
was assaulted as a result of this. While Peleus relates the narrative, Achilles amuses
himself by playing with Patroclus' feet.
Before they say goodnight to Peleus, he proposes that Achilles find a servant girl
to sleep with. Achilles says he's too exhausted tonight, but maybe later. Patroclus asks
Achilles if he likes the servant girl, and Achilles pushes Patroclus violently and says he's
sick of talking about her. Patroclus kisses Achilles one day while they are on the beach.
Patroclus, overcome with shame, watches Achilles flee. Patroclus is met on his way
back to the palace by a furious Thetis, who informs him that she witnessed the kiss and
that Achilles will be leaving the palace. Later that night, Achilles informs Patroclus that
he will be departing in the morning to study with Chiron.
CHAPTER 8
Patroclus flees the following day, seeing no need to remain in Peleus' palace
without Achilles. A sound in the woods startles Patroclus. Achilles, pleased to see
Patroclus, slams him to the ground before he can answer. Chiron, a half-horse, half-
man centaur, appears and greets Patroclus. Chiron takes Patroclus and Achilles to the
cave where they would spend the night on Mount Pelion.
Chiron promises to teach them medicine and music, among other things, just as
he did Heracles and Jason. Later that day, Achilles and Patroclus wash, and when they
return to Chiron's cave, Chiron promises to educate them about forestry, hunting, and
herb-picking. Chiron tells them later that night that Thetis urged him not to let Patroclus
accompany Achilles. Chiron, on the other hand, defies her wishes and allows Patroclus
to stay.
CHAPTER 9
On Mount Pelion, Achilles and Patroclus learn numerous skills from Chiron,
including hunting, herbal medicine, cooking, and astrology. Achilles one day shows
Patroclus his mother's lyre. Patroclus, relieved that his mother's lyre is safe, admits he
nearly didn't leave the palace because he didn't want to leave the lyre behind. Achilles
jokes that he now understands how to make Patroclus follow him everywhere he goes.
Patroclus wakes up one morning to discover Chiron gone and goes outside the cave to
wait for him.
 Thetis arrives out of nowhere, enraged because Patroclus pursued Achilles to
Mount Pelion. When Chiron arrives, he sends Patroclus back to the cave to speak with
Thetis. Achilles rushes to join Chiron and Thetis after Patroclus informs him that his
mother has arrived. Late in the afternoon, Achilles and Chiron return. While they eat,
Achilles calms Patroclus' anxieties by telling him that Thetis simply wanted to see
Achilles. Achilles begs Chiron to train them to fight one day in the winter. Chiron claims
that he cannot teach Achilles anything because he is already a superb and seasoned
fighter. Patroclus, on the other hand, will never be known as a great fighter. Achilles
turns fourteen in the summer and receives various presents from Peleus. Achilles and
Patroclus both agree that the palace is not missed.
CHAPTER 10
Patroclus gives Achilles figs and a hand-carved statue for his sixteenth birthday.
Achilles is overjoyed with his gifts. Achilles returns from Thetis one day and informs
Patroclus that Thetis cannot see them on Mount Pelion. Patroclus is relieved to learn
this and lies with Achilles in the cave while Chiron is outside. Achilles and Patroclus
have a love affair.
The next day, Achilles and Patroclus wonder if Chiron will perceive a difference
between them and if Chiron will tell Peleus or Thetis about their love affair. The sound of
a distant trumpet interrupts Achilles and Patroclus' conversation. A man appears and
declares his desire to meet with Achilles. The man tells them that Peleus must visit
Achilles. Achilles and Patroclus inform Chiron that they are on their way to the palace.
Chiron says goodbye to both boys before they leave. He instructs Achilles to prepare
his response to being called to battle. Then he informs Patroclus that he does not give
up as easy as he formerly did.
CHAPTER 11
When Achilles and Patroclus arrive at Peleus' palace, they are taken aback by
the presence of both Thetis and Peleus. Peleus summons all the men of the palace to
the dining hall and informs them that Helen, Menelaus' wife, has been kidnapped by
King Priam's son, Paris. Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae and Menelaus' brother, has
requested that the kingdoms of Greece join him in the war against Troy. Peleus informs
the men that they can fight if they wish to. Patroclus grows concerned when he recalls
the blood oath he took as a boy at Tyndareus' hall.
Peleus invites Patroclus and Achilles to sit with him later that night. Peleus
conveys his wish for Achilles to command the army. Achilles tells Peleus and Patroclus
that he believes his pledge to Menelaus was broken when Patroclus was disowned.
Achilles is undecided about fighting, believing that there will be other wars in which he
might establish his name. In bed that night, Achilles informs Patroclus that if he is
compelled to go to battle, he will go.
CHAPTER 12
 Achilles is gone the next morning. When Patroclus inquires about Achilles'
whereabouts with Phoinix, Achilles' old counselor, Phoinix informs him that Thetis
abducted Achilles in the middle of the night. Patroclus discovers Achilles' location after
pleading with Peleus. Peleus tells Patroclus to borrow money from Phoinix in order to
travel to Scyros. When Patroclus comes and requests to meet King Lycomedes, he is
instead escorted to the princess Deidameia. Patroclus introduces himself as Chironides
and claims to be looking for a friend from Phthia. Deidameia does not respond directly
to Patroclus, but she is clearly angered when Patroclus states he has never heard of
Scyros' lovely women. Patroclus watches the women dance at dinner that night.
Patroclus observes Achilles disguised among the women as the women approach him
and the other men. Deidameia, in amazement and disbelief, labels Achilles "Pyrrha"
when he embraces Patroclus. King Lycomedes wonders what Achilles is up to as
Pyrrha. Achilles replies that Patroclus is his husband. Deidameia retorts that it's not
true, then threatens to reveal Achilles' true identity. Thetis appears soon after, outraged,
telling Deidameia that she would not expose the truth. Achilles confesses his true
identity and tells that Thetis disguised him as a woman in order to prevent conflict.
Patroclus exits the room after learning that Deidameia and Achilles are formally married
and that Deidameia is pregnant. Achilles later tells Patroclus that he did not intend to
sleep with Deidameia and that Thetis set him up so she could conceal him.
CHAPTER 13
Patroclus remains at Scyros, but his time with Achilles must be kept private.
Patroclus is summoned to see Deidameia one day. Deidameia chastises Patroclus,
unable to understand why Achilles prefers Patroclus over her. Patroclus feels sympathy
for Deidameia as she begins to cry and tells Patroclus about Achilles' disregard for her.
Patroclus comforts Deidameia while she weeps. They find themselves suddenly making
love. Deidameia becomes cold again toward Patroclus shortly after. She tells Patroclus
to say farewell to Achilles on her behalf before leaving her room.
CHAPTER 14
Patroclus remains at Scyros, but his time with Achilles must be kept private.
Patroclus is summoned to see Deidameia one day. Deidameia chastises Patroclus,
unable to understand why Achilles prefers Patroclus over her. Patroclus feels sympathy
for Deidameia as she begins to cry and tells Patroclus about Achilles' disregard for her.
Patroclus comforts Deidameia while she weeps. They find themselves suddenly making
love. Deidameia becomes cold again toward Patroclus shortly after. She tells Patroclus
to say farewell to Achilles on her behalf before leaving her room. Odysseus invites him
to join the battle against Agamemnon at Troy. Before leaving, Odysseus observes that
Patroclus looks familiar. Odysseus continues to interrogate Patroclus, but he maintains
his lying.
Lycomedes introduces Patroclus as Chironides to Odysseus and Diomedes, King
of Argos, during supper that night. Patroclus knows both of them as former suitors of
Helen at Tyndareus' hall, but Diomedes is less certain. Odysseus tells Lycomedes
about meeting his wife Penelope, Helen's cousin. As Odysseus narrates the story,
Diomedes shows his displeasure. When Odysseus is finished, he requests that
Lycomedes take him to see the famed dancers. Thetis had cautioned Lycomedes not to
show them the women for fear of revealing Achilles' actual identity, but Lycomedes
agrees to their request to satisfy them. Achilles, disguised as Pyrrha, enters with the
women. Diomedes inquires as to which of the two is Lycomedes' daughter, but
Lycomedes responds that Deidameia is away visiting family.
Odysseus brings out lavish gifts for the women when they finish dancing.
Patroclus stands across the room, admiring the gifts, notably a pair of blue earrings.
Patroclus also notices Diomedes covertly conversing with one of his servants. Before
Patroclus can comprehend what is going on, trumpets sound, warning the populace of
impending danger. Achilles forgets his disguise and prepares for fight while the girls
cower. Patroclus observes Odysseus and Diomedes smiling as they expose Achilles'
identity. Before leaving the room with Achilles, Odysseus informs him that he can bring
Patroclus with him if he so desires. The trumpets were just a ruse for Odysseus and
Diomedes to identify Achilles and Patroclus.
Chapter 15
Diomedes and Odysseus try to persuade Achilles to join the battle at Troy. They
inform him that this conflict is his opportunity to become immortal in the eyes of both the
gods and humanity. Odysseus informs Achilles and Patroclus of a prophecy shared by
the gods: Achilles will never become a famous hero if he does not go to Troy. The
prophecy is confirmed when Thetis appears. Achilles resolves to go to Troy after talking
with Patroclus. According to Thetis, the prophecy needs Achilles to die after Hector.
When Achilles learns of this, he devises a plan to avoid killing Hector while continuing
fighting the battle, claiming that there is no reason to kill Hector because Hector has
done nothing to him personally. Achilles recognizes that doing so will extend the
conflict, but he sees it as a method to protect his own life for a longer period of time.
Before Patroclus and Achilles leave Scyros, Achilles informs Thetis of her desire to
raise Achilles and Deidameia's kid. Lycomedes wishes he had never had Achilles in his
palace.
CHAPTER 16
They arrive at Phthia the next day, where the entire kingdom screams Achilles'
name and welcomes him home. Patroclus stands by as Peleus proclaims Achilles the
pride of Phthia. The Phthian warriors are ready to proceed to Troy after six weeks of
training and battle preparations. Peleus hands Achilles a spear given to him by Chiron
before they set sail. Achilles decides not to tell Peleus about the prophecy, knowing that
knowing about Achilles' death will only cause his father anguish. With great fanfare and
ceremony, the soldiers sailed sail for Troy.
CHAPTER 17
The warriors arrive in Aulis, where the applauding Myrmidons greet Achilles.
Achilles encounters Agamemnon, Odysseus, Diomedes, and Nestor, the old king of
Pylos. Achilles claims that Agamemnon does not have authority over him. Odysseus
steps in to calm Agamemnon's rage after Achilles' disobedience. As the people in the
camps rejoice and honor Achilles as a hero, Patroclus believes the prophecy of Achilles'
greatness has come true.
CHAPTER 18
Calchas, the main priest, asserts that they must have offended the gods and that
they must atone with a large sacrifice after an oppressively hot month without wind. To
please the goddess Artemis, Agamemnon decides that his daughter, Iphigenia, and
Achilles shall marry. Patroclus agrees with the request, and Achilles accepts the
proposition. Patroclus notes how young Iphigenia is on the day Achilles and Iphigenia
are to marry. As Iphigenia approaches Achilles, Diomedes drags her out, and
Agamemnon stabs her to death, saying that now the gods will be delighted. The wind
arrives soon after, confirming that the gods have been appeased. Back in their tent,
Achilles laments the fact that he did not stop Agamemnon from killing Iphigenia.
CHAPTER 19
Patroclus tries to console Achilles, who is shocked by Iphigenia's death. Achilles
asks Patroclus what it was like as a child to murder Clysonymus. They are still mourning
Iphigenia's death when Achilles grabs and kills a venomous snake alongside them.
Days later, as the army approach the shores of Troy, they discover the Trojans
already present, with Hector on a chariot. Achilles launches a spear from an
unfathomable distance and kills a Trojan. Achilles' performance astounds Agamemnon's
fleet. Hector responds by throwing his own spear, slaying Protesilaus, Prince of
Phylace.
CHAPTER 20
The Grecians make up camp on the outskirts of Troy, and Patroclus notes that
his and Achilles' tent is by far the best. After they have settled, Agamemnon and the
other generals convene for their first war meeting to discuss how to continue. The
generals decide to raid the farms surrounding Troy in order to cut off supplies and send
a message. They will then attempt diplomacy. The following day, Achilles leads the raid
while Patroclus stays behind. Patroclus listens to Achilles narrate the events of the raid,
especially how quickly Achilles murdered the men.
CHAPTER 21
Achilles is the first to decide what he wants to keep after each day's raid,
followed by Agamemnon. On the third week of raids, Achilles claims a woman at the
suggestion of Patroclus, which enrages the greedy Agamemnon, who had planned to
capture her for himself. The woman is first wary of Achilles and Patroclus, but after
learning that they do not intend to rape or mistreat her, she feels secure enough to
reveal them her name: Briseis. Patroclus and Briseis become close while Achilles is on
raids. Patroclus instructs her in Greek. Patroclus and Briseis assist other ladies as they
are taken into the camp and claimed by the Greek warriors.
CHAPTER 22
After several raids, King Priam agrees to meet with the Greeks. Unarmed,
Odysseus and Menelaus visit with King Priam to try to negotiate the return of Helen.
They return in the evening, however, without Helen, implying that Priam did not give her
up and that the fight must continue. Patroclus narrates Achilles' skilled combat on the
battlefield, as well as Thetis' appearance next to Achilles to admire his mastery. Both
Achilles and Patroclus avoid Hector while fighting, unwilling to speed the prophecy's
fulfillment.
CHAPTER 23
Achilles converses with Thetis and discovers that the gods are picking sides in
the conflict. Patroclus passes the time by visiting the medical tent to check if Machaon,
the physician, requires assistance. Patroclus recalls his Mount Pelion medicinal
teachings with Chiron. Patroclus is thrown into action almost immediately and performs
surgery on a soldier with an arrow wound. In the evenings, the camp gathers around the
campfire to tell stories and sing songs. Briseis informs Achilles and Patroclus about
Hector and Andromache, Hector's adored wife. Achilles admits to doing anything to
harm Hector after learning that he stormed Andromache's village and slaughtered her
and her family.
CHAPTER 24
Dissatisfaction among Greek soldiers growing after four years of battle with no
end in sight. When Agamemnon is prevented from joining the assembly one day by
protestors, he becomes enraged and inadvertently kills one of the men. When Achilles
speaks up, the rabble is about to capture Agamemnon. Achilles delivers a motivational
speech and successfully persuades the warriors to continue fighting.
Briseis surprises Patroclus by kissing him one day while they are collecting
herbs. Briseis asks Patroclus whether he has ever desired a child and expresses her
desire to be Patroclus' wife but does not mind if he keeps Achilles as his lover. When
Patroclus subsequently informs Achilles about their conversation, Achilles is envious but
says Patroclus can have a child with Briseis if he so desires. Patroclus is unsure
whether he wants a child with her, which relieves Achilles.
CHAPTER 25
Agamemnon claims Chryseis, a young Trojan girl, in the ninth year of war with
Troy. Her father, a priest named Chryses, arrives to ransom his daughter one day,
offering twice the amount Chryseis is worth. Agamemnon rejects his appeal and expels
him. As he departs, the priest curses Agamemnon. The next day, the camp is hit by a
pandemic that kills their animals, and hordes of warriors are infected with an illness.
Achilles hears from Thetis that the gods have plagued them after nine days of their men
and cattle dying.
On the tenth day, Achilles collects the men and informs them of the nature of the
epidemic. Calchas, the priest, informs the men that Apollo is enraged, and the only way
to placate him is for Agamemnon to deliver Chryseis to her father. Agamemnon refuses
to return her and threatens Achilles by stealing his war spoils, including Briseis. Achilles
answers by threatening to leave Agamemnon's troops. Automedon, Achilles' teenage
charioteer, notifies Achilles and Patroclus later that day that Agamemnon's warriors are
on their way to seize Briseis. Achilles declares that he would kill Agamemnon, but
Patroclus believes that they should protect Briseis. Patroclus, feeling impotent, travels
to warn Briseis that Achilles would not protect her.
CHAPTER 26
Patroclus confronts Achilles over his decision to hand up Briseis to Agamemnon.
Patroclus is perplexed by Achilles' selfish decision and believes he no longer recognizes
Achilles. Patroclus visits Agamemnon in an attempt to reclaim Briseis. Patroclus slashes
his wrist and swears on his life that he will confess the truth. Patroclus warns that if
Agamemnon breaches Briseis, who is Achilles' possession, he is violating Achilles'
honor and may be killed for it. Agamemnon believes Patroclus is betraying Achilles with
this information and promises to release Briseis if Achilles submits to his wishes.
Patroclus tells Achilles about his deeds, and Achilles feels betrayed because Patroclus
went behind his back and jeopardized his chances of murdering Agamemnon. Patroclus
says he had to choose Briseis’ safety over Achilles’ pride.
CHAPTER 27
Thetis and Achilles devise a strategy: Thetis will petition Zeus to ensure that the
Greeks lose without Achilles fighting for them, forcing Agamemnon to beg for Achilles'
return. Patroclus considers Chiron and what advise he might give in this predicament.
Chiron once stated that no one's life is more valuable than another's, regardless of
nationality.
Patroclus meets Agamemnon and Briseis one evening. Agamemnon promises
Patroclus that he has not harmed Briseis and that he is looking after her. The Greek
army heads to war the next day without Achilles, leaving Achilles and Patroclus to
wonder how the battle will play out.
CHAPTER 28
The Trojan War finally come to an end with the Greek army emerging as
victorious. Achilles and Patroclus have fought valiantly throughout the war, but it is
Achilles who ultimately slays the Trojan prince, Hector. However, the victory is
bittersweet as Achilles knows that his own death is imminent.
After the battle, the Greeks honor the gods with a great feast. Achilles is
conflicted about his fate and decides to seek guidance from his mother, the sea
goddess Thetis. She tells him that he has a choice: he can die young and be
remembered as a hero or he can live a long life in obscurity. Achilles chooses the
former, knowing that it will secure his place in history.
As the Greek army prepares to sail back home, Achilles and Patroclus spend one
last night together. They exchange heartfelt vows of love and loyalty, promising to
always be together. However, their happiness is short-lived as the next morning, Paris,
the Trojan prince who started the war by kidnapping Helen, shoots an arrow and hits
Achilles in the heel, his one vulnerable spot. Achilles dies in Patroclus' arms, fulfilling
the prophecy that has haunted him throughout his life.
The chapter ends with Patroclus mourning the loss of his beloved companion
and vowing to fulfill Achilles' final wish to be buried alongside Patroclus when he dies.
The novel concludes with Patroclus' own death and reunion with Achilles in the afterlife.

CHAPTER 29
Thunderstorms awaken Achilles and Patroclus the next day, a sign that the gods
are enraged. Patroclus begs Machaon to persuade Achilles to fight. Patroclus,
meantime, administers to the growing number of wounded warriors as the Trojans
advance deeper into the Greek camp. Patroclus watches as Hector expertly ignites a
ship and pierces Ajax with a spear.
CHAPTER 30
Patroclus eventually begs Achilles to continue fighting, implying that while
his reputation is high, others will perish without him. Achilles is adamantly opposed.
Patroclus recommends that he stand in Achilles' place so that Achilles does not have to
engage the combat. The following day, Achilles outfits Patroclus in his tunic and
prepares him for a mock battle, emphasizing the necessity of Patroclus not fighting.
Patroclus, disguised as Achilles, leads an assault and, defying Achilles' instructions,
fights and kills Sarpedon, King of Lycia. Patroclus then leads a charge against Troy's
defenses, but is diverted by the god Apollo. Achilles. A spear hits Patroclus, and he
sees Hector walk toward him. The last thing Patroclus sees before his death is Hector,
but the last thing he thinks is: Achilles
CHAPTER 31
 The next day, Patroclus' body is returned to camp, causing Achilles to shout and
sob. Achilles declares that he will fight the next day. Briseis blames Achilles for
Patroclus' death while grieving. Before conquering Hector, Achilles defeats the river god
Scamander. Achilles parades Hector's body, which enrages the gods, especially when
Achilles refuses to return his body so that Hector might be properly buried. Thetis warns
Achilles that he is inciting Apollo's wrath and begs him to cease. Achilles mocks her,
stating she has no power to resurrect Patroclus. Thetis tells Achilles that his son, now
twelve years old, will be a man like him, that the Fates predict Troy would not fall
without Pyrrhus, and that she is glad Patroclus is dead.
CHAPTER 32
One night, King Priam appears to Achilles and begs him to release Hector's
body. Achilles eventually accepts and expresses his desire for his ashes to be mixed
with Patroclus' after he dies. As the conflict progresses, Achilles assassinates a growing
number of famous persons, including Memnon, Penthesilea, and the young Troilus of
Troy. Paris kills Achilles with his arrow within the walls of Troy.
CHAPTER 33
Following Achilles' death, Pyrrhus, Achilles' son, comes on the battlefield.
Pyrrhus refuses to lay Achilles' ashes alongside Patroclus', claiming that it will
contaminate his father's legacy. According to Briseis, Achilles and Patroclus were in
love and wanted to be buried together. Pyrrhus, enraged, summons Briseis and
attempts to kill him with a knife, only for him to dodge her attack. Pyrrhus kills Briseis
with a spear after she runs into the sea. Pyrrhus' brutal fighting eventually brings Troy
down.
Patroclus cannot be with Achilles because he is in the underworld. Patroclus
discusses his recollections of Achilles with Thetis at Achilles' grave. Thetis laments the
fact that she was unable to transform Achilles into a god. Thetis tells Patroclus that she
added Patroclus’ name to Achilles’ grave, and that Achilles is waiting for him. Patroclus
goes to Achilles.
THE SONG OF ACHILLES
BY MADELINE MILLER
BOOK REVIEW
Jelea S. Magallanes
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a stunning retelling of the Greek
mythological tale of Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Trojan War, and his intimate
relationship with his close companion, Patroclus. The novel explores the complex
dynamics between these two characters as they navigate their roles in the war, their
love for each other, and their ultimate fates.
Miller's writing is lyrical and evocative, transporting readers back to ancient
Greece and immersing them in the world of the gods and heroes. Her descriptions of
battles, landscapes, and emotions are vivid and engrossing, and she does an excellent
job of capturing the voice and mindset of each character. Miller's ability to novelize
mythology while maintaining a feeling of reality astounds me. The novel blurs the line
between history and fantasy by describing real-world nations from the past that were
inhabited by the gods and spiritual forces that they believed in.
At the heart of the novel is the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. Miller
portrays their bond as a deep and abiding love that develops slowly over time. The
tenderness and affection between them is palpable, and their moments of intimacy are
beautifully rendered. Miller takes care to explore the complexities of their relationship,
acknowledging the power imbalances and societal pressures that threaten to tear them
apart.
Making Patroclus the perspective character was a smart choice since it gave the
reader a more grounded point of view to feel connected to while also allowing Achilles'
larger-than-life attributes to show out. Achilles is still a mortal, but his status as a
demigod makes him inherently extraordinary in comparison to those around him,
resulting in a highly human personality that is slightly out of touch with that of common
people. Patroclus, for his part, is no commoner, but in comparison to the fabled
monarchs and demigods of immense strength and/or cunning with whom he constantly
rubs shoulders, he is a very normal guy, and a subpar soldier.
As the novel progresses, Achilles becomes increasingly consumed by his thirst
for glory and his desire to be remembered as the greatest warrior of all time. This
obsession puts a strain on his relationship with Patroclus and ultimately leads to his
downfall. Miller does a masterful job of portraying the tragedy of Achilles' fate and the
devastating impact it has on those around him.
The other component is Achilles himself, who is given the opportunity to avoid
the conflict entirely, but at the expense of his superhuman abilities and finally dying in
obscurity. For me, the story could have gone on a little longer about Achilles' inability to
resist living up to his greatest potential, that his talents are too central to who he is, and
that Patroclus doesn't fight this because he doesn't want to see him unfulfilled and
diminished. It felt justified, given the cultural values of strength and valor that
surrounded them.
The Song of Achilles is also a rich and nuanced exploration of ancient Greek
culture and mythology. Miller brings to life a range of characters from the mythological
pantheon, each with their own motivations and desires. She also delves into the role of
women in ancient Greece, highlighting the limitations and restrictions they faced in a
patriarchal society.
The Song of Achilles is a deeply moving and beautifully written novel that offers a
fresh and compelling take on a classic myth. Miller's prose is rich and immersive, and
her characters are fully realized and complex. This book is a must-read for anyone
interested in mythology, history, or simply a good love story.