Original Text(~250 words)
ARGUMENT THE SIXTH BATTLE, THE ACTS AND DEATH OF PATROCLUS Patroclus (in pursuance of the request of Nestor in the eleventh book) entreats Achilles to suffer him to go to the assistance of the Greeks with Achilles’ troops and armour. He agrees to it, but at the same time charges him to content himself with rescuing the fleet, without further pursuit of the enemy. The armour, horses, soldiers, and officers are described. Achilles offers a libation for the success of his friend, after which Patroclus leads the Myrmidons to battle. The Trojans, at the sight of Patroclus in Achilles’ armour, taking him for that hero, are cast into the uttermost consternation; he beats them off from the vessels, Hector himself flies, Sarpedon is killed, though Jupiter was averse to his fate. Several other particulars of the battle are described; in the heat of which, Patroclus, neglecting the orders of Achilles, pursues the foe to the walls of Troy, where Apollo repulses and disarms him, Euphorbus wounds him, and Hector kills him, which concludes the book. So warr’d both armies on the ensanguined shore, While the black vessels smoked with human gore. Meantime Patroclus to Achilles flies; The streaming tears fall copious from his eyes. Not faster, trickling to the plains below, From the tall rock the sable waters flow. Divine Pelides, with compassion moved. Thus spoke, indulgent, to his best beloved:[243] “Patroclus, say, what grief thy bosom bears, That flows so fast in these unmanly tears? No girl, no infant...
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Summary
Patroclus finally convinces his best friend Achilles to let him fight, wearing Achilles' armor to terrify the Trojans. The plan works brilliantly—Troy's forces flee in panic, thinking the great Achilles has returned to battle. Patroclus saves the Greek ships and drives the enemy back across the plains. But success goes to his head. Despite Achilles' strict orders to return once the ships are safe, Patroclus pushes forward, drunk on victory and glory. He kills Sarpedon, Zeus's own son, in single combat, further inflating his confidence. The god Apollo repeatedly warns him to stop, but Patroclus ignores divine intervention itself. His hubris proves fatal. Apollo stuns him from behind, stripping away his divine protection. Euphorbus wounds the disoriented hero, and finally Hector delivers the killing blow. As Patroclus dies, he prophesies Hector's own death at Achilles' hands. This chapter reveals how even the best intentions can lead to disaster when we let success override good judgment. Patroclus isn't evil—he's trying to help his people and honor his friend. But he can't resist the intoxicating pull of glory, and his inability to follow simple boundaries costs him everything. The tragedy hits harder because we see how easily any of us might make the same choice in the heat of triumph.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Hubris
Excessive pride or arrogance that leads to downfall, especially when someone defies the gods or natural order. In Greek stories, hubris always gets punished. Patroclus shows hubris when he ignores Achilles' orders and pushes too far into enemy territory.
Modern Usage:
We see this when successful people think they're untouchable and take bigger risks, like CEOs who expand too fast or athletes who showboat and lose focus.
Divine intervention
When gods directly interfere in human affairs, either helping or hindering mortals. Apollo repeatedly warns Patroclus to back off, then personally strips away his protection when ignored. The Greeks believed gods actively shaped human destiny.
Modern Usage:
Today we might call it 'signs from the universe' or those gut feelings and warning signals we choose to ignore at our own peril.
Armor bearer
A trusted companion who carries and maintains a warrior's weapons and equipment. Patroclus isn't just borrowing clothes - he's taking on Achilles' entire military identity. The armor makes him look invincible to enemies who fear Achilles.
Modern Usage:
Like wearing your boss's expensive suit to an important meeting, or using someone else's credentials to get respect you haven't earned yet.
Prophecy
A prediction of future events, often delivered at the moment of death in Greek literature. Dying Patroclus tells Hector that Achilles will soon kill him. These deathbed prophecies always come true in Greek stories.
Modern Usage:
Similar to when someone facing consequences warns others 'you'll get yours' or 'what goes around comes around.'
Myrmidons
Achilles' elite fighting force, legendary warriors from his homeland. They're like ancient special forces - highly trained, completely loyal, and feared across the battlefield. Patroclus leads them into battle wearing their commander's armor.
Modern Usage:
Think of elite military units today, or tight-knit teams that follow one strong leader and have a reputation for getting results.
Glory culture
A society where honor and reputation matter more than life itself. Warriors fight not just to win, but to be remembered forever. Patroclus gets caught up in this - the chance for eternal fame makes him ignore safety.
Modern Usage:
We see this in social media culture, extreme sports, or any situation where people risk everything for recognition and viral fame.
Characters in This Chapter
Patroclus
Tragic hero
Achilles' best friend who convinces him to lend his armor and troops. Starts with good intentions - saving the Greek ships - but gets drunk on success and pushes too far. His death from ignoring boundaries becomes the catalyst for Achilles' return to war.
Modern Equivalent:
The good friend who borrows your car and totals it showing off
Achilles
Reluctant mentor
Still refusing to fight personally, but agrees to let Patroclus use his identity and troops. Gives clear, specific orders to return once the ships are safe. His worst fears come true when Patroclus disobeys and dies.
Modern Equivalent:
The experienced worker who lets the eager newcomer handle a big project with strict guidelines
Hector
Reluctant killer
Flees when he thinks Achilles has returned, showing even Troy's greatest warrior fears him. Only kills Patroclus after Apollo has stripped away his divine protection and Euphorbus has wounded him. Gets the credit but does the least work.
Modern Equivalent:
The competitor who wins only after their opponent has already been knocked down by others
Apollo
Divine enforcer
Repeatedly warns Patroclus to stop his advance, then personally intervenes when ignored. Stuns him from behind and strips away his armor, leaving him vulnerable. Represents the consequences of ignoring clear warnings.
Modern Equivalent:
The boss who gives multiple warnings before finally writing someone up
Sarpedon
Noble sacrifice
Zeus's own son who dies fighting Patroclus in single combat. His death inflates Patroclus's confidence and makes him think he can take on anyone. Even gods must watch their children die in war.
Modern Equivalent:
The respected veteran who gets beaten by the rising star, making them overconfident
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to spot when initial success tempts you to expand beyond your original boundaries and capabilities.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you start thinking 'since I did this well, I should take on more'—pause and ask what your original goal was before expanding.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"The streaming tears fall copious from his eyes. Not faster, trickling to the plains below, From the tall rock the sable waters flow."
Context: Describing Patroclus crying as he begs Achilles to let him fight
Homer compares Patroclus's tears to a waterfall, showing the depth of his anguish watching his people die. This isn't weakness - it's compassion that motivates heroic action. His tears reveal someone who cares more about others than himself.
In Today's Words:
He was crying so hard it was like a faucet running - he couldn't stop watching his friends get slaughtered.
"Content yourself with rescuing the fleet, without further pursuit of the enemy."
Context: His specific orders to Patroclus before lending him the armor
These clear boundaries show Achilles knows exactly what will happen if Patroclus gets carried away. It's not about glory - it's a rescue mission with specific limits. The tragedy is that everyone sees the danger except Patroclus.
In Today's Words:
Just save our people and come straight back - don't get any ideas about being a hero.
"Hector, you boast, but Achilles shall avenge me, and soon shall you lie here in the dust."
Context: His dying words to Hector after being fatally wounded
Even in death, Patroclus shows he understands the larger pattern of vengeance that drives this war. His prophecy reveals that some consequences are inevitable - Hector's fate is sealed the moment he kills Achilles' best friend.
In Today's Words:
You think you won, but my friend's going to destroy you for this.
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Mission Creep
When initial success tempts us to expand beyond our original boundaries and capabilities, often leading to failure or burnout.
Thematic Threads
Pride
In This Chapter
Patroclus's growing confidence transforms from healthy competence into dangerous hubris as victories pile up
Development
Evolved from Achilles' wounded pride—now showing how pride corrupts even well-intentioned people
In Your Life:
You might feel this when early success at work makes you think you can handle any challenge thrown your way
Boundaries
In This Chapter
Clear instructions from Achilles are abandoned as Patroclus decides his judgment is better than his mentor's
Development
Introduced here as the critical difference between success and disaster
In Your Life:
You experience this when helping others gradually consumes more time and energy than you originally intended to give
Recognition
In This Chapter
Being mistaken for the great Achilles gives Patroclus a taste of ultimate respect and fear from enemies
Development
Shows how the hunger for recognition established earlier can override good sense
In Your Life:
You feel this when praise for going above and beyond makes you want to keep exceeding expectations, even when it's unsustainable
Mentorship
In This Chapter
Achilles gives specific, protective guidance that Patroclus ignores in favor of his own impulses
Development
Contrasts with earlier failed mentorship—here showing what happens when good advice is rejected
In Your Life:
You see this when you ignore experienced colleagues' warnings about taking on too much responsibility
Consequences
In This Chapter
Divine warnings and clear danger signs are ignored, leading to Patroclus's death and setting up Achilles' return
Development
Escalated from earlier chapters—now showing how individual choices create cascading disasters
In Your Life:
You experience this when your body, relationships, or finances start showing stress signals that you rationalize away
Modern Adaptation
When the Promotion Goes Sideways
Following Achilles's story...
Marcus finally convinces his best friend Achilles to let him take over the night security shift at the warehouse complex. Achilles has been refusing to work since the company passed him over for promotion, but with break-ins increasing, he agrees to let Marcus wear his supervisor jacket and patrol his usual route. The plan works perfectly—Marcus catches two potential thieves, prevents a break-in at the electronics warehouse, and gets praised by management. But success goes to Marcus's head. Instead of sticking to the basic patrol route Achilles mapped out, Marcus starts expanding his territory, checking buildings he's not assigned to, staying hours past his shift. He confronts suspicious activity alone instead of calling backup. When Achilles warns him to stick to the plan, Marcus brushes him off—he's finally getting the recognition he's always wanted. During an unauthorized patrol of the far lot, Marcus surprises a group stripping copper wire. Without backup or proper equipment, he tries to handle the situation solo. The confrontation goes wrong. Marcus gets badly hurt, and as paramedics load him into the ambulance, he tells Achilles this is all his fault for abandoning his post.
The Road
The road Patroclus walked in ancient Troy, Marcus walks today in a warehouse parking lot. The pattern is identical: success breeds overconfidence, boundaries feel like limitations instead of protection, and mission creep becomes mission impossible.
The Map
This chapter maps the warning signs of mission creep: when early wins make you feel invincible, when you start seeing limits as suggestions, when you stop checking in with your support system. The navigation tool is recognizing that success without boundaries isn't success—it's a setup.
Amplification
Before reading this, Achilles might have blamed Marcus for being reckless or blamed himself for not being there. Now he can NAME mission creep, PREDICT how unchecked expansion leads to isolation and danger, and NAVIGATE back to sustainable boundaries that protect both success and safety.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What was Patroclus's original mission, and how did it change once he started winning?
analysis • surface - 2
Why do you think Patroclus ignored both Achilles' orders and Apollo's warnings to stop advancing?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen someone start with good intentions but get carried away by early success?
application • medium - 4
How could Patroclus have stayed focused on his original goal while still feeling proud of his victories?
application • deep - 5
What does this story reveal about the relationship between success and self-control?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Track Your Mission Creep
Think of a current responsibility in your life - at work, home, or in your community. Write down what you originally agreed to do and what you're actually doing now. Map out how your role expanded step by step. Identify the moment when 'helping out' became 'being in charge.'
Consider:
- •What early successes made you feel capable of taking on more?
- •Who benefits from your expanded role, and who pays the cost?
- •What would happen if you returned to your original boundaries?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you took on too much because you were good at something. How did it end, and what would you do differently now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 17: The Fight for Patroclus
The coming pages reveal grief can fuel both courage and reckless behavior in crisis moments, and teach us protecting what matters requires coordinated effort, not just individual heroism. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.