Achilles
Achilles and Patroclus . No other relationship in Classical spaces has been discussed and debated as much . With the introduction of The Song of Achilles , this relationship was carried into modern day media and new audiences to analyze the facts . Achilles and Patroclus are close friends from a young age . Patroclus , who is slightly older , often acts as a guide and companion to Achilles . Both Achilles and Patroclus join the Greek forces in the Trojan War , fighting against the city of Troy . Patroclus is killed in battle , and Achilles is consumed with rage , grief , and need for revenge . It is Achilles ’ s reaction to Patroclus ’ s death , their deep emotional connection , and the cultural context behind their relationship that alludes to love rather than a platonic relationship . While we cannot cast strict judgement on whether or not their relationship was romantic , I think its more important to look at the imapct and reception their relationship had on the public . We see in later work by later authors such as Plato and Aeschylus that their relationship was interpreted as romantic , even in ancient times .