Patroclus
Quick Summary
Patroclus was a central figure in Greek mythology, known for his close friendship with the hero Achilles during the Trojan War. He was the son of Menoetius and, after accidentally killing another boy, was sent to live with Peleus, where he befriended Achilles.12
In Homer's Iliad, Patroclus's death at the hands of Hector was a pivotal moment that motivated Achilles to return to battle. Patroclus is often depicted as a foil to Achilles, embodying a more sensible and kind nature. The nature of their relationship has been a subject of discussion for centuries, with some interpretations suggesting they were lovers.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

