Achilles and Patroclus
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The role of Achilles' friend, Patroclus, in the Iliad is similar in many ways to those of both Eumaeus, the swineherd, and Telemachus, Odysseus' son, in the Odyssey. They all share the same characteristics and they perform similar functions in the poems. The relationships of Patroclus to Achilles and Telemachus and Eumaeus to Odysseus are very much alike. Both Telemachus and Eumaeus take on roles roles in the Odyssey, that, when combined, make up Patroclus' role in the Iliad.
The role Patroclus plays in the Iliad is very similar to the role Telemachus plays in the Odyssey. Patroclus is to Achilles as Telemachus is to Odysseus. When Achilles leaves in the Iliad, it is up to Patroclus to stand in for him. Patroclus leads the Acheans in battle and fights brilliantly just as Achilles would if he were fighting. Similarly, when Odysseus leaves in the Odyssey, eventually, Telemachus needs to stand in for him. Telemachus learns what he needs to and he begins to fit in for Odysseus as head of the household...