The Iliad Book 16 - Achilles and Patroclus Battle Key Events and Characters

What are the three hopes Achilles has for Patroclus's success?

1. That Patroclus will drive the Trojans away from the Greek ships, saving them from destruction.

2. That Patroclus will return safely after pushing the enemy back.

3. That Patroclus will not go too far and try to capture Troy himself, but will stop once he has secured the ships.

What stipulation does Achilles give to Patroclus when he drives the Trojans from the ships?

Achilles instructs Patroclus not to attack or kill the Trojans, nor to lead the Achaeans to the city of Troy.

Why doesn't Achilles want Patroclus to continue even if victory is within reach?

Achilles does not want Patroclus to rob him of his glory.

Who does Achilles hope survives the war?

Achilles hopes that he and Patroclus alone survive the war.

What was the reaction of the Trojans when they saw Patroclus in Achilles' armor?

The Trojans panicked and fled from the Achaean ships.

Who was Patroclus trying to get near in battle, and why?

Patroclus was trying to get near Hector because he was determined to kill him.

For whom does Zeus feel pity during the battle, and why?

Zeus feels pity for his mortal son, Sarpedon, because he worries that Sarpedon will die by the hand of Patroclus.

What two choices does Zeus face regarding Sarpedon in battle?

1. Zeus can take Sarpedon out of the fight and bring him to safety. 2. He can let Sarpedon fall by the hand of Patroclus.

What are Juno's two reasons for objecting to Zeus' intervention?

1. Other gods will also want to escort their sons out of battle. 2. Zeus will make everyone jealous.

What solution does Juno suggest regarding Sarpedon?

Juno suggests that Zeus allow Sarpedon to be killed, where he will be buried with honor by his brothers.

What two choices does Zeus consider regarding Patroclus?

1. To save Patroclus from being killed in battle and bring him safely home.

2. To let him die, as fate has decided, and allow Hector to kill him.

What decision does Zeus ultimately make regarding Patroclus?

Zeus decides to allow Achilles to drive Hector and the Trojans back towards the city and then allow Patroclus to be killed in battle.

What motivates Patroclus to continue pursuing the Trojans and Lycians?

Patroclus continues to pursue them out of pride and foolishness.

Which god intervenes to prevent Patroclus from taking the city of Troy?

Apollo intervenes to stop Patroclus.

Who was the first to hit Patroclus and knock off his helmet?

Apollo was the first to hit Patroclus.

What happened to Achilles' spear and shield that Patroclus carried?

Achilles' spear broke, and his shield fell to the ground.

Who was the first mortal to wound Patroclus, and how did it happen?

Euphorbus wounded Patroclus by striking him with a spear.

Who finishes off the wounded Patroclus?

Hector forces his way to the wounded Patroclus to finish him.

What foreshadowing does Patroclus give to Hector before he dies?

Patroclus tells Hector that he will soon fall by the hand of Achilles.

Two things that Patroclus hopes to accomplish.

1. To drive the Trojans away from the Greek ships, saving the Greeks from destruction.

2. To win glory for himself and Achilles by fighting bravely in Achilles' armor.