« Seul, Achille pleure ». Entre solitude et communauté : à propos des funérailles de Patrocle (Homère, Il., XXIII-XXIV)

Abstract

The Book 23 of the Iliad essentially concerns Patroclus’ funerals. The end of the poem is near, but the Trojan War is far from over. Patroclus’ death have triggered Achilles’ return to the battlefield, and, consequently, Hector’s death. Now, the best of the Achaeans needs to come to terms with his companion’s death and accomplish the appropriate funeral rites. The Book details each step needed to lead the dead safely into Hades. However, disparities can be observed in the way Achilles accomplish these rituals, which are noticeable in the way the poem isolates Achilles from the rest of the Achaean community. The funerals then take an even more spectacular dimension with the athletic contests that are included as part of the grieving process, and maintain both participants and public in a warlike context.

Keywords

• Homer
• Iliad
• Troy
• war
• Achilles
• funeral rites