Chapter 16 Revised! - Death of Patroclos

Chapter Zero:

If you were to change one event or chapter from the Iliad, and replace it with your own story, what chapter or episode will that be?

Write your “version” of the story.

Narrate how it will affect the entire story or ending of the Iliad.

            Iliad would not be as epic as it is if not for the great heroes, their characters, the Gods, and the turnout of events. Every single detail is well thought of by Homer. In that case, one revision will definitely make a big difference, either on the Achaians or the Trojans. If I were to change one event from the Iliad, and replace it with my own story, I would choose the death of Patroclos. I would want to revise Chapter I so as to end this war immediately, but doing that would end Iliad as well. It would not make sense to create an epic story with an immediate resolve to the clash. Also, doing that would not introduce the traits of each character and would not bring out the true message of the epic. My Chapter 16, “Death of Patroclos”, would be like this:

            With tears of sincerity, Patroclos approached Achilles and asked him if he could replace him and lead the Myrmidons in battle so that the Achaians would regain their fighting spirit and win the battle with the Trojans. Being moved with what Patroclos did, Achilles granted his request. He let Patroclos wear his armor, helmet, gears, but not his spear, which only he can wield. Achilles prayed to Zeus asking him to guide Patroclos. Finally, after he gave his blessing he reminded Patroclos not to go too far. Once he had driven away the enemies, he should go back. Achilles told him that he shouldn’t let this war be the cause of his death. Patroclos just nodded and left. Patroclos set out in battle with the Myrmidons. The Achaians thought it was Achilles, so it went as planned. The Achaians gained the battle spirit; thus, driving away the Trojans. Patroclos killed a great number of Trojans. Little by little, they’re advancing towards the wall of Troy. Suddenly, godlike Hector was fast approaching. He remembered what Achilles told him and asked the Myrmidons to fall back. Patroclos was able to return to Achilles sound and safe, but because of this, the Trojans were able to get back from their fall. Patroclos wanted to go back, but this time Achilles didn’t allow him. They immediately sailed home. Meanwhile, the Trojans were able to reach the innermost camp of the Achaians. It was evidently their win because a lot of the Achaian leaders died. Hector approached and killed Agamemnon. With the death of their king, the Achaians lost their reason to stay. They immediately sailed home. Iliad ended with the victory of Troy while Achilles decided to live with his girl in his land.

            Achilles already decided to sail home and leave the Achaians. No peace offering could ever move his decision. Patrcolos didn’t die, so there was no reason for Achilles to come back in battle. Because of this, the Trojans were able to win the battle and Hector didn’t have to die as well. The Fall of Troy would never come to a reality. Troy was able to defend its kingdom against the Achaians. Agamemnon also received his punishment for being a stubborn king. This in turn would give the Achaians a better king. Lastly, Achilles found peace in a lifetime of war.