Introduction
In "The Song of Achilles," Madeline Miller breathes new life into one of the most famous stories from Greek mythology. This novel retells the events of Homer's Iliad, focusing on the relationship between the legendary warrior Achilles and his companion Patroclus. Miller's interpretation transforms their friendship into a profound love story, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
The novel offers a fresh perspective on these ancient characters, making them relatable and human despite their mythical status. Through Patroclus's eyes, we see a different side of Achilles – not just the fierce warrior of legend, but a complex individual capable of deep love and vulnerability.
As we follow their journey from childhood to the battlefields of Troy, we witness the unfolding of a tender romance alongside the epic events of the war. Miller's storytelling brings the world of ancient Greece to vivid life, complete with meddling gods, heroic feats, and tragic destinies.
The Beginning of a Legendary Bond
Patroclus Meets Achilles
The story begins with Patroclus, a young prince who is exiled from his homeland after accidentally killing another boy. He's sent to live in the court of King Peleus, where he first encounters Peleus's son, Achilles.
From the moment Patroclus lays eyes on Achilles, he's captivated. There's something special about the young prince – a kind of brilliance that sets him apart from everyone else. Achilles seems to radiate an inner light, like a flame that draws Patroclus in.
At first, Patroclus can't quite understand the feelings stirring within him. When he looks at Achilles across the dining hall, he feels a jolt of electricity, as if a storm were approaching. It's a mix of admiration, curiosity, and something deeper that he can't yet name.
A Friendship Blossoms
Despite their different backgrounds – Achilles as the golden prince and Patroclus as the awkward exile – the two boys form a close friendship. Achilles seems just as intrigued by Patroclus as Patroclus is by him.
They spend more and more time together, sharing stories, playing games, and exploring the palace grounds. Patroclus finds himself opening up to Achilles in a way he never has with anyone else. In turn, Achilles shows Patroclus a softer side that few others get to see.
As they grow older, their bond deepens. They become inseparable, always seeking out each other's company. It's clear to everyone around them that there's something special about their friendship.
A Peaceful Interlude
Education with Chiron
When Achilles is sent away to continue his education, Patroclus naturally follows. They travel to the wilderness, where they meet Chiron, a wise centaur who becomes their teacher.
Living in Chiron's cave, the two young men enter a period of idyllic peace. Their days are filled with lessons from the centaur, exploring the lush forests, and bathing in cool rivers. In the evenings, they sit by the campfire, gazing at the stars as Chiron teaches them about the constellations and their stories.
This time in the wilderness allows their relationship to flourish away from the pressures and expectations of the royal court. They have the freedom to be themselves, to explore their feelings for each other without judgment.
Love Blossoms
As they spend their days and nights together in this secluded paradise, Patroclus and Achilles' feelings for each other deepen into love. Their bond grows stronger with each passing day, evolving from friendship into something more profound.
One night, as they lie side by side in the cave, Patroclus looks into Achilles' eyes and feels a sense of absolute certainty. He knows, with every fiber of his being, that he will never leave Achilles' side. Their destinies are intertwined, for better or worse.
For two blissful years, they live in this state of contentment, their love growing and deepening. But they both know that this peaceful existence can't last forever. They're now 16 years old, on the cusp of adulthood, and the real world awaits them beyond the shelter of the forest.
The Weight of Destiny
Even in these peaceful moments, the shadow of Achilles' destiny looms over them. There's a prophecy that Achilles will become the greatest warrior of his generation, destined for glory but also for a short life.
One day, as they walk through a grove of olive trees, Achilles asks Patroclus if he can name a single hero who lived happily. Patroclus thinks hard but can't come up with an example. All the heroes they know of have had tragic fates in one way or another.
But Achilles is determined to be different. He tells Patroclus, "I'll be the first. And you're the reason." With Patroclus by his side, Achilles feels invincible, as if he can defy even the fate the gods have laid out for him.
This moment encapsulates both the beauty and the tragedy of their love. They have found happiness with each other, but the world of heroes and wars is calling. Their idyllic time in the wilderness is coming to an end, and greater challenges lie ahead.
The Call to War
Helen's Abduction
Far away from Achilles and Patroclus' peaceful existence, an event occurs that will change the course of history. Helen, the wife of the Greek king Menelaus, is abducted and taken to the city of Troy. This act of defiance against the Greeks sets the stage for what will become the Trojan War.
Menelaus's brother, Agamemnon, begins to gather an army. The plan is to sail to Troy, rescue Helen, and punish the Trojans for their transgression. As Greek men, both Patroclus and Achilles are expected to join this war effort.
Thetis's Intervention
However, Achilles' mother, the sea goddess Thetis, is determined to keep her son from going to war. She knows of the prophecy that foretells Achilles' death if he fights at Troy, and she'll do anything to prevent this fate.
In an attempt to protect him, Thetis sends Achilles to the island of Scyros, where he's hidden away in the palace, disguised as a woman. Of course, where Achilles goes, Patroclus follows. They continue their life together in secret, hoping to avoid the conflict brewing in the wider world.
Odysseus Arrives
But their hiding place is eventually discovered. Odysseus, the clever Greek warrior, arrives at Scyros in search of Achilles. With his sharp wit, Odysseus quickly sees through Achilles' disguise.
Odysseus explains the situation to Achilles. The Greek army needs him – he's destined to be their greatest warrior. Moreover, according to the prophecy, if Achilles doesn't fight in this war, he'll miss out on the chance for immortal fame. Instead, he'll grow old and weak, forgotten by history.
A Terrible Choice
Just as Achilles is absorbing this information, his mother Thetis appears in a fury. She confirms what Odysseus has said about the prophecy, but adds a crucial detail: if Achilles chooses to go to Troy, he will never return. He's destined to die there as a young man.
This revelation presents Achilles with an agonizing dilemma. If he refuses to fight, he'll live a long life but fade into obscurity. If he goes to war, he'll achieve everlasting fame, but at the cost of his life.
That night, Achilles discusses his options with Patroclus. What truly horrifies Achilles isn't the prospect of death, but the thought of losing his vitality and brilliance, of fading away into mediocrity.
In the end, Achilles makes his choice. He will go to Troy, embracing his destiny as a hero, even knowing the cost. When he asks if Patroclus will come with him, there's no hesitation in Patroclus' answer. Of course he'll follow Achilles, even into death if necessary.
As they hold each other that night, both are acutely aware that this decision marks the beginning of the end. Their peaceful days are over, and they're stepping into a future filled with both glory and tragedy.
The Trojan War Begins
Achilles' Prowess in Battle
As the Greek army sails to Troy, there's a palpable sense of anticipation. On the eve of their first battle, Patroclus asks Achilles if he's afraid. Achilles' response is simple but powerful: "No. I was born for this."
True to the prophecy, Achilles proves to be an extraordinary warrior from the very first clash. He moves through the battlefield with grace and deadly precision, cutting down Trojan soldiers as if it were the easiest thing in the world. His fighting skills are so impressive that it almost seems unfair to the enemy.
Patroclus watches from a distance, in awe of Achilles' prowess but also relieved. He knows that for now, at least, Achilles is safe. Another prophecy states that Hector, the Trojan prince, must die before Achilles does. As long as Hector lives, Achilles is protected.
The Spoils of War
As the Greek army advances, they begin to claim prizes from the defeated Trojans. These spoils of war include weapons, valuable items, and sadly, women who are taken as slaves.
Among these captives is a young, beautiful woman named Briseis. Concerned for her fate, Patroclus urges Achilles to claim her as his prize, knowing that this will protect her from a worse fate at the hands of other soldiers.
Achilles agrees, and Briseis is brought to their camp. However, it's Patroclus who ends up spending the most time with her. While Achilles is out fighting, Patroclus teaches Briseis the Greek language. In return, during their walks in the woods, she teaches him about the local plants and trees.
A Growing Friendship
Over time, Patroclus and Briseis develop a close friendship. They provide each other with comfort and companionship as the war drags on, sharing their fears, hopes, and memories of home.
As they grow closer, Briseis begins to develop romantic feelings for Patroclus. One spring day, as they sit together in the woods, she gathers her courage and kisses him.
Patroclus gently pulls away, explaining that while he cares for her deeply, his heart belongs to Achilles. "If I wanted a wife," he tells her, "it would be you." But marriage and that kind of relationship isn't in his future.
Though disappointed, Briseis understands. She asks Patroclus if he ever wants children, planting a seed of thought in his mind.
A Moment of Consideration
That night, Patroclus discusses his conversation with Briseis to Achilles. Despite a flicker of jealousy, Achilles tells Patroclus that if he wants to have a child with Briseis, he would understand.
For a moment, Patroclus allows himself to imagine this hypothetical future – a child, a family. But then he looks at Achilles, the person he loves more than anyone in the world, and realizes that he already has everything he needs.
This moment serves to reaffirm the depth of Patroclus and Achilles' commitment to each other. Despite the temptations and possibilities that arise, their love remains steadfast and true.
Tensions Rise
The Toll of War
As the Trojan War drags on year after year, its toll becomes increasingly apparent. The initial excitement of battle has long since faded, replaced by weariness, frustration, and homesickness among the Greek soldiers.
Achilles does his best to keep morale high. He reassures the men that victory is certain, that he wouldn't be fighting if he didn't truly believe they would win. His words carry weight – after all, he's their greatest warrior, seemingly blessed by the gods themselves.
But even Achilles' encouragement can't completely dispel the growing discontent. The war seems endless, with no clear progress being made. The men are tired, missing their homes and families, and questioning the point of it all.
Strained Relationships
As tempers fray and patience wears thin, relationships within the Greek camp become increasingly strained. Nowhere is this more evident than in the deteriorating relationship between Achilles and Agamemnon, the commander of the Greek forces.
Achilles, with his unparalleled fighting skills and semi-divine status, often clashes with Agamemnon over strategy and leadership. Agamemnon resents Achilles' popularity among the men and his tendency to question orders. Achilles, in turn, grows frustrated with what he sees as Agamemnon's poor decision-making and stubbornness.
The Catalyst
In the ninth year of the war, an incident occurs that brings this simmering tension to a boiling point. Agamemnon claims a Trojan girl as his war prize. She happens to be the daughter of a priest, who comes to the Greek camp begging for her return. Agamemnon refuses, asserting his right to keep her.
Soon after, a plague breaks out in the Greek camps. Men fall ill and die in alarming numbers. It's clear to everyone that this is divine punishment – the gods are angry.
Achilles, recognizing the gravity of the situation, publicly orders Agamemnon to return the girl to her father. He explains that it's not about dishonoring Agamemnon, but about ending the plague and saving Greek lives.
A Fateful Decision
Agamemnon is furious at being challenged so openly. His pride wounded, he declares that if he must give up his prize, he'll take something of Achilles' in return. He demands Briseis, who has been living under Achilles' protection all this time.
This request is a grave insult to Achilles. War prizes are considered personal property, and Agamemnon is essentially stealing from him. In a fit of rage, Achilles makes a shocking declaration: Agamemnon can have Briseis, but from this moment on, Achilles will no longer fight in the war.
Patroclus is horrified, not so much by Achilles' refusal to fight, but by his apparent indifference to Briseis's fate. "How can you let Agamemnon take her?" he asks, knowing full well what might happen to her.
But Achilles is too caught up in his wounded pride to consider Briseis's wellbeing. At this point, with death looming in his future, Achilles is primarily concerned with defending his honor and protecting his legacy as a hero.
Fortunately, Patroclus manages to negotiate with Agamemnon to ensure Briseis's safety. But the damage is done. The Greek army's greatest warrior has withdrawn from the battlefield, and the consequences will be dire.
The Tide Turns
Greek Losses Mount
With Achilles absent from the fighting, the tide of the war quickly turns in favor of the Trojans. The Greek army, once seemingly invincible with Achilles at the forefront, now finds itself on the defensive.
The Trojans, emboldened by Achilles' absence, push forward with renewed vigor. They manage to burn some of the Greek ships and inflict heavy casualties. The Greek soldiers, used to victory, are demoralized by these sudden reversals.
Patroclus watches this unfold with growing despair. He sees the men he's come to know over the years falling in battle, and he knows that Achilles could turn the tide if only he would return to the fight.
Patroclus Pleads with Achilles
Unable to stand by any longer, Patroclus goes to Achilles and begs him to rejoin the battle. With tears in his eyes, he describes the carnage he's witnessed. "All the men are dying," he tells Achilles. "You're the only one left who can save them."
But Achilles remains unmoved. His resentment towards Agamemnon and the perceived slight to his honor is still too raw. Even Patroclus, the person he loves most in the world, can't sway him from his decision.
A Desperate Plan
Seeing that Achilles won't budge, Patroclus comes up with a desperate plan. He suggests that he could go to the battlefield wearing Achilles' armor. He wouldn't even need to fight – the mere sight of "Achilles" would be enough to strike fear into the Trojans and rally the Greeks.
Achilles is reluctant, knowing the dangers involved. But Patroclus is insistent, and finally, Achilles agrees. He helps Patroclus don his famous armor, and they share a tender kiss goodbye, both acutely aware of the risks.
Patroclus Enters the Fray
Disguised as Achilles, Patroclus joins the battle. At first, everything goes according to plan. The Greek soldiers are overjoyed to see their champion return, while the Trojans retreat in terror at the sight of the legendary warrior.
Buoyed by his initial success, Patroclus gets caught up in the moment. He finds himself near the walls of Troy and decides to attempt scaling them. In his mind, he imagines entering the city, capturing Helen, and ending the war once and for all.
A Fatal Mistake
But Patroclus has overreached. As he climbs the wall, he's spotted by the god Apollo, who favors the Trojans. Apollo reaches down and grabs Patroclus by the armor, throwing him to the ground.
Stubbornly, Patroclus tries again, only to be cast down once more. This time, his helmet and armor come loose in the fall. Suddenly vulnerable, Patroclus realizes the danger he's in and tries to flee.
But it's too late. He feels a spear pierce his back, and when he turns, he sees Hector, the Trojan prince, coming to finish him off.
The Fall of Patroclus
As he lies bleeding on the ground, Patroclus is overcome with a sense of inevitability. He can foresee the chain of deaths that will follow his own – Hector, then Achilles. This was not supposed to happen, not yet.
Hector stands over him, twisting the spear deeper. As life slips away from Patroclus, his final thought is of Achilles. With his last breath, he speaks the name of the man he loves.
The Aftermath
Achilles' Grief and Rage
When news of Patroclus' death reaches the Greek camp, Achilles is devastated. His anguished cries echo across the battlefield as he cradles Patroclus' bloody body. His grief is all-consuming, but it quickly transforms into a burning rage.
Achilles now has a new purpose – to avenge Patroclus' death. He vows to kill Hector, even knowing that this act will seal his own fate. According to the prophecy, once Hector dies, Achilles' own death will soon follow.
The Hunt for Hector
The next day, Achilles returns to the battlefield with a vengeance. He cuts through the Trojan ranks like a man possessed, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. His only goal is to find Hector.
Finally, he spots the Trojan prince. What follows is a chase across the battlefield, with Achilles pursuing Hector with single-minded determination. Despite Hector's skill as a warrior, he's no match for Achilles' superhuman speed and strength.
Hector's Fall
The chase ends at the banks of a river. Achilles catches up to Hector and, without hesitation, plunges his spear into the Trojan prince's throat. As Hector falls, Achilles knows that he has set in motion the final act of his own life.
But Achilles doesn't stop fighting. With Patroclus gone, he has nothing left to live for. He continues to battle Trojan soldiers, his skills undiminished even as he awaits his own doom.
The Arrow of Paris
It's Paris, the Trojan prince whose actions started the war, who finally brings down Achilles. Guided by the god Apollo, Paris takes aim with his bow from the safety of Troy's walls.
"Where should I aim?" Paris asks the god. "They say he's invulnerable."
Apollo replies, "Achilles is a man, not a god. If you hit him, he'll die."
The arrow flies true, striking Achilles in the back and piercing his heart. As he falls to the earth, a smile crosses Achilles' face. At last, he will be reunited with Patroclus.
The War's End and Beyond
Troy Falls
Not long after Achilles' death, Troy finally falls to the Greeks. The long war is over, but the cost has been immense on both sides.
Achilles is given a hero's burial, his ashes interred beneath a vast white tombstone. The monument bears a single word: "Achilles." It's a testament to his fame and the impact he had on the war.
Patroclus' Fate
But while Achilles rests in the underworld, Patroclus finds himself in a different situation. His ashes were never properly buried, leaving his spirit trapped on earth, unable to move on to the afterlife.
Thetis' Mourning
Achilles' mother, the goddess Thetis, comes to mourn at her son's grave. As she sits at the base of the tomb, weeping for her lost child, she becomes aware of Patroclus' presence.
Thetis and Patroclus have always had a strained relationship. She disapproved of his closeness with Achilles, seeing Patroclus as a distraction from her son's destiny. But now, in the aftermath of both their deaths, something changes.
Reconciliation and Release
From beyond the grave, Patroclus speaks to Thetis. He shares his memories of Achilles, painting a picture of the man they both loved – not just the fierce warrior, but the kind, passionate person he was in private moments.
As they reminisce together, Thetis begins to see Patroclus in a new light. She realizes the depth of his love for Achilles, and how that love made her son truly happy.
In a final act of acceptance, Thetis uses her divine power to carve Patroclus' name on Achilles' tombstone, right next to her son's. This act completes Patroclus' burial rites, freeing his spirit to move on to the afterlife.
"Go," Thetis tells him. "Achilles is waiting for you."
Reunion in the Underworld
At last, Patroclus' soul is able to enter the underworld. There, he finds Achilles waiting for him, just as Thetis said.
As their souls reach for each other, we're left with a bittersweet image of reunion. Despite the tragedy of their lives and deaths, Achilles and Patroclus have found each other again. Their love, it seems, transcends even death itself.
Conclusion
"The Song of Achilles" is a powerful retelling of one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology. By focusing on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, Madeline Miller brings new depth and emotion to this ancient tale.
The novel explores themes of love, destiny, and the price of fame. We see how Achilles struggles with the weight of his prophesied fate, torn between his desire for glory and his love for Patroclus. Meanwhile, Patroclus grapples with his place in a world of heroes and gods, finding his strength in his unwavering devotion to Achilles.
Miller's interpretation of their relationship as a romance adds a new layer to the story, making these mythical figures feel more human and relatable. The tender moments between Achilles and Patroclus contrast sharply with the brutality of war, highlighting the personal cost of the conflict.
The author also delves into the complexities of heroism. Achilles, for all his legendary status, is shown to be flawed and sometimes selfish. Patroclus, often overlooked in the original myths, emerges as a different kind of hero – one whose strength lies in his compassion and loyalty.
By the end of the novel, we're left with a profound sense of both tragedy and hope. While Achilles and Patroclus meet tragic ends, their love endures beyond death. In this way, Miller suggests that true heroism might not lie in great deeds or immortal fame, but in the connections we form and the love we share.
"The Song of Achilles" reminds us that even the most ancient stories can still speak to us today, touching on timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the human experience. It's a testament to the enduring power of myth and the ability of skilled storytellers to breathe new life into old tales.