The Iliad, Book 16 summary
Book 16 of 24 · 33 min to read the book
In Book 16, Patroclus wears Achilles’ armor, leads the Myrmidons to save the burning fleet, and pursues the Trojans despite orders to return after securing the ships. He kills Sarpedon and presses toward Troy, but Apollo disables him, Euphorbus wounds him, and Hector delivers the fatal blow.
What happens
- Patroclus begs to help the wounded Achaeans, and Achilles lends his armor but orders him to stop after saving the fleet.
- After Hector breaks Ajax’s spear and the Trojans fire a ship, Patroclus leads the Myrmidons out and extinguishes the flames.
- Patroclus pursues the retreating Trojans and kills Sarpedon, while Jove accepts his son’s appointed death.
- Glaucus rallies the defenders, but the Achaeans seize Sarpedon’s armor, and Apollo sends his body home through Death and Sleep.
- Patroclus presses toward Troy, where Apollo repels him; he then kills Hector’s charioteer Cebriones.
- Apollo disables Patroclus, Euphorbus wounds him, and Hector kills him; Patroclus predicts Hector’s death before Automedon escapes.
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In this book
What to notice
Achilles sets a clear boundary for the rescue mission. Patroclus crosses that boundary by pursuing the Trojans toward their city.
Quick check
Who first wounds Patroclus with a spear after Apollo disables him?
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