📖
The Song of Achilles
by Miller, Madeline
Contents
Chapter Five
Summary
- The chapter opens with Achilles and Patroclus in the audience chamber of Achilles' father, Peleus.
- Achilles asks his father for pardon for taking Patroclus away from his duties, explaining that he wanted him as his brother-in-arms (therapon).
- Peleus asks Achilles why he chose Patroclus as his companion. Achilles simply replies that Patroclus is "surprising".
- Peleus then tells Achilles and Patroclus to apologize to Amphidamas (likely an arms-master or teacher of some kind).
- After leaving the audience chamber, Patroclus feels unexpectedly hurt when Achilles tells him they will next see each other at dinner later.
- Achilles reveals to Patroclus that he practices fighting alone due to a prophecy that he will be the best warrior of his generation, which his mother doesn't want others to witness.
- Achilles asks Patroclus to sleep in his room, shocking him. This also raises eyebrows among the other boys, who can't understand why Achilles would choose Patroclus as a companion.
- Over time, Patroclus becomes comfortable with Achilles, and begins to open up, sharing stories of his past. He also stops fearing that he will be sent away.
- Achilles brings Patroclus with him to his practice session. Mesmerized by Achilles' fighting, Patroclus insists that Achilles fights him. Achilles refuses, but Patroclus stubbornly persists, leading to a physical altercation, after which they both gain new understanding and appreciation of each other.