The Song of Achilles Summary: Plot, Characters and Ending
The Song of Achilles retells the story of the Trojan War through the eyes of Patroclus, an exiled prince who becomes the companion, and then the beloved, of the hero Achilles. Their love carries them from boyhood to the war at Troy, where Achilles's pride leads to Patroclus's death and then his own.
Madeline Miller draws on Homer's Iliad and other ancient sources.
| Character | Who they are |
|---|---|
| Patroclus | Narrator, an exiled prince |
| Achilles | Son of King Peleus and the sea nymph Thetis |
| Thetis | Achilles's immortal mother, cold to Patroclus |
| Chiron | Wise centaur who teaches the boys |
| Briseis | Captive woman Patroclus protects |
| Agamemnon | Leader of the Greek army |
| Hector | Prince and greatest warrior of Troy |
| Odysseus | Clever Greek king |
How do Patroclus and Achilles meet?
Patroclus is a small, disappointing son to his father. At nine he accidentally kills a bullying boy and is exiled to the court of King Peleus. There Achilles, beautiful, golden and destined to be the greatest of the Greeks, chooses him as his companion. They become inseparable.
↑ Back to the topWhat happens on Mount Pelion?
Achilles goes to study with the centaur Chiron, and Patroclus follows him. They spend happy years in the mountains, Achilles learning to fight, Patroclus learning medicine. They become lovers. Thetis disapproves of Patroclus from the start.
↑ Back to the topWhy do they go to war?
When Helen is taken to Troy, the Greek kings gather to bring her back. Thetis hides Achilles on the island of Scyros disguised as a girl, where he is made to marry the princess Deidameia, who bears his son. Patroclus finds him, and Odysseus exposes the disguise. A prophecy says Achilles will win great fame but will not live long after Hector dies. Achilles goes to war anyway, with Patroclus beside him.
↑ Back to the topWhat is the quarrel with Agamemnon?
For nine years the Greeks besiege Troy. Patroclus works as a healer and befriends Briseis, a captive he persuaded Achilles to claim to keep her safe. When a plague strikes the camp, Agamemnon is forced to give up his own captive and takes Briseis instead. Insulted, Achilles refuses to fight, even as the Greeks begin to lose.
↑ Back to the topHow does Patroclus die?
With the Greek ships burning, Patroclus begs Achilles to fight. When he refuses, Patroclus puts on Achilles's armor and leads the Myrmidons out. He drives the Trojans back, but Hector kills him beneath the walls. Mad with grief, Achilles returns to battle, kills Hector and drags his body around the walls for days, until old King Priam comes in secret to beg for his son's body, and Achilles gives it back.
↑ Back to the topHow does The Song of Achilles end?
Achilles is killed by an arrow from Paris. His son Pyrrhus arrives, cruel and proud, and refuses to let Patroclus's name be carved on the shared tomb, so Patroclus's spirit cannot rest. Patroclus, who narrates even after death, appeals to Thetis. He shares with her his memories of Achilles, and at last she relents and carves his name beside her son's. In the shadows, the two find each other again.
↑ Back to the topMore about The Song of Achilles
This summary reveals the whole plot, including the ending.