Well, the thing is, the Greek word Homer used to describe Patroclus in relationship to Achilles, philia, can be interpreted as either lover, friend, squire, or second-in-command. So, since the Iliad was in existence, it has been rendered in all of the ways mentioned above many times. For the whole low-down, search Achilles and Patroclus on Wikipedia. Sometimes, Wikipedia doesn't have the most accurate information, but it is all presented nicely in the case of this article!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_and_PatroclusThis might be better for a personal impression comment, but I have to say that I strongly believe they were not "just friends" or "lovers". They were comrades, brothers in arms--something more than friends, but not lovers. If you want clarification on what I mean, read Jonathan Shay's book Achilles In Vietnam. He puts it far clearer than I can, but.I'm afraid we'll probably never know!
Patroklos was the lover of Achilles! Aww, so cute ! They were definitely lovers, why does everyone think they were just friends? I can't stand those people! They just can't accept the truth!
― Anonymous User 9/20/2009
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_and_Patroclus
This might be better for a personal impression comment, but I have to say that I strongly believe they were not "just friends" or "lovers". They were comrades, brothers in arms--something more than friends, but not lovers. If you want clarification on what I mean, read Jonathan Shay's book Achilles In Vietnam. He puts it far clearer than I can, but.I'm afraid we'll probably never know!