Patroclus (died 1183 BC) was a Greek warrior and the lover of Achilles. He was killed by Hector during the Trojan War, leading to Achilles avenging his death by slaying Hector in a duel.
Biography[]
Patroclus was born in Opous, Locris, Ancient Greece, the son of Menoetius, and he was cousins with Achilles, who saw the much older Achilles as a role model. Patroclus accompanied Achilles when he went to fight in the Trojan War in 1193 BC, and he convinced Achilles to let him lead the Myrmidons into combat. He wore Achilles' armor and bore his sword and shield, and Achilles told him to return to the ships after beating back the Trojans. However, Patroclus ignored his orders and pursued the fleeing Trojans to their city gates, leading to Hector stabbing Patroclus in the stomach with a spear and killing him. Achilles was devastated at his cousin’s death, leading him to avenge Patroclus by slaying Hector.
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