Chapter Thirty

Summary

• Protagonist Patroclus speaks with Achilles, begging him to help their fellow soldiers who are dying and their ships being burned by the Trojans.
• Achilles refuses to help due to his previous insult and punishment from Agamemnon. He feels the others have turned their back on him.
• Patroclus continues to plead with Achilles, using their love and loyalty for each other to convince him.
• Achilles holds firm in his refusal, stating he cannot compromise his honor by aiding Agamemnon.
• Eventually Patroclus proposes a plan: he will put on Achilles’ armor and lead the Myrmidons; the Trojans will think Achilles has returned to battle and retreat.
• Achilles reluctantly agrees but makes Patroclus swear he will not fight, only intimidate the Trojans and stay safe.
• Achilles prepares Patroclus, dressing him in his armor and giving him advice on how to behave in battle.
• Once on the battlefield, Patroclus continues to fight even when the Trojans begin to retreat, he disregards Automedon’s protests.
• Patroclus kills Sarpedon, a son of Zeus and continues to chase the retreating Trojans towards the city of Troy.
• Upon reaching the city of Troy, Patroclus is picked up and dropped by the god Apollo, leading to the removal of his helmet and the Trojans recognizing him.
• Now in danger, Patroclus is desperately trying to run when a spear pierces his back and he falls.
• Hector approaches and kills Patroclus, with Patroclus’s final thought focusing on Achilles.