Reading Notes: Homer's Iliad, Part B

This story and specifically this half of the Iliad tells of the heroic and revenge minded Achilles take on Hector and the Trojans after the death of his cousin Patroclus. My favorite characters in this story are Achilles (a fan favorite and rightfully so) and surprisingly Patroclus. These cousins throughout the novel have different concepts on the reasoning behind why they fight and go to war. I would like to have some plot twist and throw something different within this story. I do not like Achilles' love affair and do not think that is a good reason for him to die within Troy. These people have not known each other and their love is based solely on lust. But the love of family, and specifically between Patroclus and Achilles is real and true. One twist I would like to add is that Patroclus does not die at the sword of Hector, but instead is captured by the Trojans. This would add to Homer's Iliad because it does not go on to after the death of Hector.

(Great battle between Troy and Greeks)

My story would continue to the end of the war. So Achilles and Hector's fight was not at the cause of Patroclus' death but at his capture and hope for a safe return. In the end, I believe Patroclus will still die, but in a different way. I would also like to hone in on the fight between Hector and Achilles. Adding to this fight an emotional side where Achilles while fighting is giving chances for Hector to release Patroclus and to save his own life. Hector uses this weakness of Achilles to fair better in the fight, injuring Achilles multiple times before losing his life by a swift move of Achilles. In the end I would like to talk about the glory that Achilles receives, because this is what drives him the most. There would be some great sacrifice and deed in the end that would cement his already greatness into a duel greatness between greatest fighter and mercy giver.

Bibliography: Homer's Iliad retold by A.J. Church, link to reading online.