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The Song of Achilles summary

Name: The Song of Achilles
Rating: 4.2 (57 reviews)
Author: Madeline Miller

Madeline Miller

A Novel

4.2 (57 ratings)

21 mins

Brief summary

The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a captivating retelling of the Trojan War, focusing on the legendary hero Achilles and his companion Patroclus.

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Literature Wars Ancient History Love 21st Century

Table of Contents

The Song of Achilles
Summary of 7 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 7

What’s in it for me? An epic tale of love and war.

Achilles – who was he?

If you’re familiar with Homer’s Iliad, or you’ve seen the film Troy, then you know that Achilles was a Greek prince and warrior. He was the hero who achieved immortal fame during the Trojan War.

But there was another side to Achilles, which is only hinted at in the Iliad. There are references to his childhood friend Patroclus, who followed him to the battlefield. The two men were close. But how close, exactly?

In The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller tells the story of Achilles and the Trojan War from a different perspective. We see everything through the eyes of Patroclus, who’s captivated by Achilles from the moment they meet.

In Miller’s novel, a vivid reimagining of the Iliad, this is a love story – the tale of two men who are completely devoted to each other. But, just like the original story, it’s also a tale of war – specifically, the epic battles of the Trojan War.

So while Achilles and Patroclus seem destined to be together, other things may be destined too. There are prophecies hinting at tragedies to come. And in the world of Greek mythology, the gods might intervene at any moment.

The beauty of The Song of Achilles is that it breathes new life into an ancient story. Although these mythical events took place thousands of years ago, Miller’s interpretation of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is real, relatable, and incredibly moving.

In this Blink to the novel, we’ll go back to the beginning. It’s time to travel to ancient Greece and meet the heroes, in the peaceful days before the war.

Patroclus and Achilles grow up together, and fall in love.

Patroclus and Achilles grew up together, and they’re both sons of kings. But they’re not brothers – they’re lovers.

They first met years ago, as children. Patroclus came to live at the palace of Achilles’s father.

Even then, Patroclus found himself drawn to Achilles, without knowing exactly why.

The prince had a brilliance, a beauty … something that burned like a flame. Patroclus would look at Achilles across the dining hall and feel a jolt of electricity, his skin prickling as though a storm were coming.

And the interest was mutual. The two boys soon became close friends – and then something more.

So when Achilles left the palace, naturally, Patroclus followed. He joined Achilles in the woods, which was where the prince had been sent for his education – lessons with a wise centaur named Chiron.

For a while, the two boys live together in Chiron’s cave.

They spend their days studying with the centaur, exploring the woods, and bathing in the river. In the evenings, they eat by the campfire and stargaze, learning the stories of the constellations. And in the cave, they fall asleep side by side.

Their bond gradually deepens. When Patroclus looks into Achilles’s eyes, he feels a sense of absolute certainty. “I will never leave him,” he thinks.

Two years pass by peacefully. But they both know that this idyllic existence can’t last forever. They’re now 16 years old, and this is the last year of their childhood. It’s only a matter of time before Achilles is called back to the palace.

And then there’s the prophecy. It is said that one day, Achilles will be the greatest warrior of his generation. He was born to be a hero.

Beyond these woods, Achilles’s destiny awaits him. The boys savor the precious time they have left.

One day, they walk through the woods until they reach a grove of olive trees. There, they sit and talk of their families and the future.

Achilles asks Patroclus if he can name a hero who lived happily.

Patroclus thinks, but he can’t come up with a single example. In one way or another, they’ve all had tragic lives. There’s no such thing as a happy hero.

But then Achilles says to Patroclus, “I’ll be the first. And you’re the reason.”

With Patroclus by his side, Achilles feels invincible.

And it’s just as well, because war is on the horizon.

Achilles is summoned to fight in the Trojan War.

Far away, an event takes place that will change the course of history.

Helen, the wife of the Greek king Menelaus, is abducted and taken to the city of Troy.

Achilles shines on the battlefield while Patroclus befriends Briseis.

The Greek army sails to Troy. On the night before the first raid, Patroclus asks Achilles if he’s frightened. “No,” Achilles replies. “I was born for this.”

And it’s just as the prophecy predicted – Achilles is an extraordinary warrior. As the fighting begins, he’s in his element, slaughtering Trojan soldiers with such ease that he makes it look effortless.

As the war drags on, tempers flare.

Meanwhile, the war goes on and on. With no signs of progress, the Greek soldiers are getting fed up.

Achilles does his best to boost morale. He wouldn’t be fighting, he tells them, unless he truly believed they were going to win.

On the battlefield, key characters meet their fates.

Without Achilles, things start to go badly for the Greeks. The Trojans burn their ships and massacre their soldiers.

In tears, Patroclus begs Achilles to return to the battlefield. “All the men are dying,” he tells him. “You’re the only one left who can save them.”

The war ends, and two souls are reunited.

Not long afterward, Troy falls. The Greeks have won the war.

Their greatest warrior is buried beneath a vast white tombstone engraved with a single word: “Achilles.”

Final Summary

You’ve come to the end of our Blink to The Song of Achilles – a novel by Madeline Miller that creatively retells some of the events of Homer’s Iliad. Here’s a short recap of the story:

It takes place in ancient Greece, and focuses on the bond between the hero Achilles and his companion, Patroclus. In Miller’s interpretation, the close friendship between the two young men becomes romantic.

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What is The Song of Achilles about?

The Song of Achilles (2011) is a creative retelling of Homer’s Iliad. The epic tale of the Trojan War is transformed into a moving love story, told from the perspective of Patroclus, the beloved companion of the Greek hero Achilles.

The Song of Achilles Review

The Song Of Achilles (2011) offers readers a fresh perspective on the Trojan War and the timeless story of Achilles. This compelling novel stands out for its:

Unique portrayal of Achilles and Patroclus, exploring their deep bond, love, and loyalty.
Richly imagined world that immerses readers in ancient Greece, its heroes, and its myths.
Emotional depth that brings new life to the epic tale and resonates with modern audiences.

Experience the powerful and moving story of The Song Of Achilles today.

Who should read The Song of Achilles?

Hopeless romantics
Fans of Greek mythology
Anyone interested in the Iliad and the Trojan War

About the Author

Madeline Miller studied Classics at Brown University and went on to teach Latin and Greek. Her novels, The Song of Achilles and Circe, are adaptations of Greek myths and were both New York Times best sellers.

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