No matter what kind of fury and rage Patroklos was in, he still knows that he does not stand a chance against the god,[Apollo] spoke, and Patroklos gave ground before him a great way / avoiding the anger of him who strikes from afar, Apollo.? (XVI. 710-11). Even with this knowledge and fear, he continues to struggle against Apollo. With every man that Patroklos kills he only angers Apollo more. After Patroklos's third charge, and twenty-seventh victim,.
Phibos [Apollo] came against you therein the strong encounter.
dangerously, nor did the Patroklos see [Apollo] as he moved through.
the battle, and shrouded in a deep mist came in against him.
and stood behind him, and struck his back and his broad shoulders.
with a flat stroke of the hand so that his eyes spun.
(XVI. 788-92).
Cash 3.
Apollo decided he had enough, and physically attacked Patroklos. This shows that even with unbeatable odds, Patroklos continues, with or without the help of the gods, to fight the terrible battle.
The complete disregard of Achilleus's words of warning against fighting is another reason Patroklos is the cause of his own death. In the first part of book sixteen, Achilleus gives several commands and warnings that would allow for Patroklos to have a longer life in battle. First Achilleus warns him:.
.
You must not set your mind on fighting the Trojans, whose delight.
is in battle, without me. So you will diminish my honor.
You must not, in the pride and fury of fighting on, go on.
slaughtering the Trojans, and lead the way against Ilion,.
for fear some one of the everlasting gods on Olympos.
might crush you. Apollo who works from afar loves these people.
dearly. You must turn back once you bring the light of salvation.
(XVI. 89-95).
This quote clearly outlines the guidelines that Patroklos must go by in order to survive.
