The death of Patroclus…
Hi all,
Sorry it’s been a while between posts, but I’m pleased to tell you it’s because all of my free time of late has been going into writing book 5 - Shaw Reclamation. But, I’m really keen to start adding more posts on things that interest me and just some random thoughts!
Topics I’m keen to focus on include Ancient Rome and Greece, sculpture and art, LGBTI rights and portrayals, music, movies and literature. From time to time you will see themes in my novels such as references to Greek and Roman Gods and heroes, and I’m keen to share some of their stories. If there are topics you would like me to write about or you would like to know more about, please let me know!
Between chapters, I’ve found myself daydreaming of all the places I want to travel when restrictions ease. I scrolled back through some of my old photos and found this one I took of the Menelaus and Patroclus sculpture from Florence. This sculpture sits in the Loggia dei Lanzi. Alongside this piece are various works from Hercules and Nessus, Perseus with the head of Medusa and the Medici Lion.
But, it was the sculpture of Menelaus and Patroclus which spoke to me the most.
Now everyone has heard of Achilles, not just because of the tendon, but because he has been immortalised as a hero in art and literature for centuries, including Homer’s Iliad - recounting the fall of Troy. Homer’s epic tells the story of how Achilles at first abstained from the battle, even though he was promised eternal glory if he was to fight. It is not until Patroclus dons his armour and leads his troops into the war, and is struck down by the Trojan Prince Hector - that Achilles joins the war.
The sculpture depicts the scene where Menelaus carries Patroclus’ body from the field returning him to Achilles. The Iliad and many other interpretations of the story since, describe Achilles’ pain from loss.
“My dear comrade’s dead - Patroclus - the man I loved beyond all other comrades, loved as my own life - I’ve lost him.” - Achilles in The Iliad.
Now I acknowledge that the true relationship between the pair is subject to some debate, but I believe beyond any doubt that the two were lovers. The raw pain felt by Achilles when Patroclus dies, to me, can only be from the loss of the love of your life.
Madeline Millar’s Song of Achilles is the most beautiful telling of the story I have read and I encourage people to buy a copy and read it. The story is told from Patroclus’ point of view and explores his coming of age and the trials and torments which led him to the home of Achilles. The young pair, although vastly different in so many ways, become friends and eventually lovers. It tells the story of their training on Mount Pelion with Chiron - the wise and just Centaur; the relationship or lack thereof with Achilles’ mother Thetis - the sea nymph; and of course the battle of Troy.
Millar captures such emotion and feeling in her novel, as Patroclus narrates his thoughts and interactions with the ancient world around him. The most overwhelming feeling I had when reading the novel was love. I could feel the love between the two and it was beautiful.
I think the most tragic part of the Achilles and Patroclus story is that so many people have tried to “straighten” Achilles up by overlooking or reimagining the relationship between the pair. The movie Troy, with Eric Bana and Brad Pitt respectively as Hector and Achilles, portrays Patroclus as Achilles’ cousin. I enjoyed the movie, but what a missed opportunity for Hollywood to give the world arguably the most remarkable gay love story ever told. A story that even captured the attention of Alexander the Great and his very own “companion” Hephaestion - who visited the tomb of Achilles and Patroclus and laid wreaths and honoured the pair with games. (But I’m sure I’ll come back to this later)
The sculpture in the picture is a magnificent piece dedicated to this pivotal moment in Homer’s Iliad and from the Trojan War. It is a remarkably sculpted work and I can’t wait to visit Florence again to see it and many other great works of art - and I truly recommend the experience to everyone!
I should note, I wrote the Shaw series with a gay protagonist because I think it is time for the world to have more gay leads. Homosexuality is a part of life and I believe part of our growing acceptance is for society to embrace our stories. There have been famous examples of couples in art and throughout history which should be celebrated. I, for one, celebrate the story of Achilles and Patroclus as lovers, and look forward to bringing you more stories and gay characters from throughout history.
Be fabulous, be proud and be you!
Stay safe everyone.
Love, Xavier