Peleus agrees to let Patroclus be Achilles’s therapon, or brother-in-arms.
A brother-in-arms is sworn to a prince by blood oath and love, and becomes the prince’s most trusted adviser.
After Peleus gives his blessing, Achilles informs Patroclus that he must go train.
Before Achilles goes, he informs Patroclus of a prophecy that states he will be the best warrior of his generation.
Achilles invites Patroclus to sleep in his room.
That night, Achilles teaches Patroclus how to juggle before they go to bed.
After some time, Patroclus becomes accustomed to his friendship with Achilles and the new privileges that friendship brings.
One afternoon, Achilles lets Patroclus watch him train, an honor only few people had been given. Patroclus is so mesmerized and moved by Achilles’ grace and sword- and spear-wielding skills, he asks Achilles to fight him.
When Achilles refuses, Patroclus leaps at Achilles, but is quickly subdued.
Patroclus says that Achilles is unlike anyone Patroclus has ever met or seen.
A year after Patroclus’ exile, Patroclus tells Achilles the story of how he killed Clysonymus.
Achilles comments that he has never been bullied so he doesn’t know how he would have responded to Clysonymus, but Achilles ensures Patroclus that he too would have been angry.
Patroclus begins spending more time with King Peleus, and often listens to Peleus’ tales from his youth.
The only place where Patroclus does not join Achilles is the cave where Achilles goes to see his sea-nymph mother, Thetis.
One day during Patroclus’s second spring in Phthia, Achilles tells Patroclus that Thetis wants to see him.
Patroclus is hurt by Thetis, noticing how much disdain she has toward him.
Thetis tells Patroclus that he will be dead soon and how Achilles will be a god.
Achilles tells Patroclus later that evening that he does not know if he wants to be a god, but he is certain he wants to be a hero.
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The Song of Achilles (summary)
Historical FictionAchilles, "the best of all the Greeks," son of the cruel sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus, is strong, swift, and beautiful, irresistible to all who meet him. Patroclus is an awkward young prince, exiled from his homeland after an act...