“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”
It’s been nearly a year since I’ve read The Song of Achilles, and to this day, that passage never fails to make me cry. I have loved reading about Greek mythology since middle school, and Madeline Miller retells the story of Achilles in a gut wrenching, yet beautiful way in this novel.
The Song of Achilles is narrated by Patroclus, a seemingly mediocre Greek prince who is seen as a disappointment to his father, King Menoetius. After accidentally killing a boy of noble birth, Patroclus is exiled to Phthia, where he meets Achilles. The two become friends, despite Patroclus’ hesitation, and eventually lovers. Achilles’ mother, the sea-nymph Thetis, despises their relationship–mostly due to the fact that Achilles is prophesied to be one of the greatest Greek heroes, while she sees Patroclus as worthless and a distraction. Word eventually gets out that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, and that the Greeks must go to war to save her. Achilles, however, does everything to avoid going to war, but ultimately is convinced. Patroclus follows Achilles, not wanting to be separated from him. As the Trojan war begins, Achilles wins several battles with ease. However, conflicts between Achilles and Agamemnon grow more hostile as the war advances, resulting in Achilles refusing to continue battling. Because of this, the Greek army begins to dwindle as they lose battle after battle. Patroclus decides to disguise himself as Achilles by wearing his armor and takes his place in the war. While he defeats one of the strongest Trojan warriors, Patroclus is soon killed by Hector. Achilles, furious with grief, returns to war, killing Hector and several other notable Trojans. Tragically, Achilles is eventually killed by Paris. The novel ends with Patroclus looking at his and Achilles’ grave and running to reunite with him in the underworld.
I decided to come up with a playlist of songs that remind me of certain scenes throughout the novel, so here are a few I want to highlight:
Mykonos / Fleet Foxes
“Mykonos” by Fleet Foxes reminds me of Patroclus’ exile to Phthia. The instrumentation and the harmonies of the song imitate the sense of sailing off to see, while the lyrics of the first verse talk about being cast away after an argument. In the case of the novel, Patroclus retaliates against a bully and ends up killing the boy in the process. As a result, his father exiles him to Phthia to avoid going to war.
Like Real People Do / Hozier
This song sounds like it was made for Patroclus and Achilles–particularly when they realize they love each other. I can hear this playing the moment they first kiss each other, and then subsequently when they are romantic towards each other when they are alone.
Sign of the Times / Harry Styles
I imagine this song taking place as Patroclus dons himself in Achilles’ armor and takes his place in battle. The first lines of the song, “Just stop your crying, it’s the sign of the times / Welcome to the final show / I hope you’re wearing your best clothes” almost alludes to Patroclus’ death in this scene. He’s wearing his best clothes (Achilles’ armor) and this scene is, in fact, Patroclus’ final show.
The Night We Met / Lord Huron
This song resembles Achilles’ grief after the death of Patroclus. After Patroclus’ body is returned to camp, Achilles screams and cries, yearning for him to be alive and with him. As a result, Achilles requests that Patroclus’ ashes be mixed with his once he dies.
Splendor / M83
“Splendor” seems like the perfect reunion song. The instrumentation is bright and theatrical, the harmonies reminding me of Patroclus and Achilles reuniting in the underworld at last.
To hear the rest of the playlist for The Song of Achilles, listen here:
sidney parish
New Orleans-based writer and curator that is most likely rambling nonstop about music and books.
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