a Grecian chief, was the son of Menoeceus of Opus. His fame was chiefly owing to his intimate connection with Achilles. He was first the playmate of the rising hero at the court of Phthia. Then, actuated by pure motives of affection, he became his companion in arms at the siege of Troy. He slept in his tent at night, he fought at his side during the day, and when the great champion absented himself from the field in a fit of peevishness, the inseparable friend stayed at home to keep him company. Nor was this connection severed by the approach of death. Patroclus received his fatal wound from Hector in the armour of Achilles; his tomb was soon re-opened to receive the ashes of "great Thetis' son;" and the two are said to have met each other and renewed their friendship in the lower world.