27 Classical Song of Achilles Quotes
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written novel based on the story of Achilles and Patroclus. The book is full of inspiring quotes, which perfectly capture the heart of this timeless love story.
About Song of Achilles
American Writer Madeline Miller published her Novel The Song of Achilles in 2011, The work is an adaptation of Homer’s lliad.
The Novel highlights Patroclus relationship with Achilles from their first meeting till during Trojan War. The Song of Achilles managed to win Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012.
After hearing the Iliad read to her as a youngster, Miller’s mother sparked an interest in the legend of Achilles. Miller discovered that Patroclus, a minor character who has little effect on the end of the Trojan War, was particularly intriguing.
Miller wanted to write a narrative about Patroclus’ character and significance to Achilles, taking influence from lliad.
The writer drew inspiration from the works of Ovid, Virgil, Sophocles, Apollodorus, Euripides, and Aeschylus as well as tales of Achilles’ early friendship with Patroclus and his martial instruction.
Here Are The Best Song of Achilles Quotes
It took Ten Years for Miller to Complete the Novel, After working on the typescript for 5 years she had to scrap all the work done, and started to write again from the beginning as she was struggling to perfect the voice of the narrator.
With so much hard work involved in the Novel, No Wonder Miller created a great Novel with some amazing quotes :
1. “And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”-The Song of Achilles
While many people believe that it is worse to lose someone you love, there are others who believe that it is actually worse to be left behind. The Song of Achilles quotes this sentiment perfectly, saying “And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”
This is because when someone you love dies, they are no longer in pain. They are free from the struggles of this life and are now at peace. However, those who are left behind must endure the pain of loss and continue to fight on without their loved ones by their side.
In some ways, it might even be said that it is a greater act of courage to be the one left behind.
2. “We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”-The Song of Achilles
3. “I feel like I could eat the world raw.”-The Song of Achilles
4. “When I am dead, I charge you to mingle our ashes and bury us together.”-The Song of Achilles
The Song of Achilles is an epic novel about the legendary relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. In the novel, Achilles makes a number of predictions about his own death, including the fact that he will be reunited with Patroclus in the afterlife.
This quote reflects the intense bond between the two men, and their shared belief that their connection will last even after death. As Achilles says, he wants their ashes to be mingled together, signifying that they will always be together, even in death.
This quote is a beautiful reminder of the power of love, and its ability to transcend even the most difficult circumstances.
5. “He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”-The Song of Achilles
6. “When he died, all things soft and beautiful and bright would be buried with him.”-The Song of Achilles
7. “I am made of memories.”-The Song of Achilles
“I am made of memories,” Achilles says in The Song of Achilles. And it’s true – we are all made up of the memories of our lives. Every experience, every moment, and everything we’ve ever seen or done is stored in our brains, shaping who we are.
Some of our memories are happy and warm, others are painful and hard to think about. But they all make us who we are, and without them, we would be a blank slate. That’s why it’s so important to cherish the good memories and learn from the bad ones.
So next time you look in the mirror, remember that you are made of memories. And cherish those memories, because they are what make you unique and special.
8. “And when he moved it was like watching oil spread across a lake, smooth and fluid, almost vicious”-The Song of Achilles
9. “It is right to seek peace for the dead. You and I both know there is no peace for those who live after.”-The Song of Achilles
10. “Name one hero who was happy.”-The Song of Achilles
The story follows the Greek hero Achilles as he falls in love with his friend Patroclus and fights in the Trojan War. Although Achilles knows that his fate is to die young, he does not let this stop him from living life to the fullest.
He embraces his love for Patroclus and enjoys every moment they spend together. He also takes great pride in his skill as a warrior and relishes the chance to prove himself on the battlefield. In the end, Achilles dies a hero’s death, but not before he has experienced great happiness.
11. “There are no bargains between lion and men. I will kill you and eat you raw.”-The Song of Achilles
12. “He smiled, and his face was like the sun.”-The Song of Achilles
13. “No man is worth more than another, wherever he is from.”-The Song of Achilles
14. “And perhaps you should get some new stories, so I don’t fucking kill myself of boredom.”-The Song of Achilles
15. “In grief, men must help each other, though they are enemies.”-The Song of Achilles
Patroclus has just been killed in battle, and Hector is grieving for him. Though they were enemies, in their shared grief they are able to find common ground. This quote highlights the power of grief to bring people together, even those who are normally at odds.
In times of sorrow, we often turn to others for comfort, regardless of whether or not we have a close relationship with them. Grief is a universal experience that can serve to remind us of our common humanity.
In the face of loss, we are all vulnerable and in need of support. When we reach out to others in grief, we open ourselves up to the possibility of healing and connection.
16. “Achilles makes a sound like choking. “There are no bargains between lions and men. I will kill you and eat you raw.” His spearpoint flies in a dark whirlwind, bright as the evening-star, to catch the hollow at Hector’s throat.”-The Song of Achilles
17. “This is what Achilles will feel like when he is old. And then I remembered: he will never be old.”-The Song of Achilles
18. “The sorrow was so large it threatened to tear through my skin. When he died, all things swift and beautiful and bright would be buried with him.”-The Song of Achilles
19. “There is no honour in betraying your friends.”-The Song of Achilles
Patroclus is one of the few people who are truly loyal to Achilles. He stands by him during his moments of rage and helps him to see the good in people. When Achilles is planning to kill Agamemnon, Patroclus tries to stop him, saying “There is no honor in betraying your friends.”
This quote shows the importance of loyalty and friendship in The Song of Achilles. Without these relationships, the characters would be lost. They would have no one to trust and no one to help them when they are in need.
The Song of Achilles is a story about the power of loyalty and friendship and how these relationships can help us to overcome any obstacle.
20. “Priam’s eyes find the other body, mine, lying on the bed. He hesitates a moment. ‘That is — your friend?’-The Song of Achilles
21. ‘Philtatos,’ Achilles says, sharply. Most beloved. ‘Best of men, and slaughtered by your son.”-The Song of Achilles
22. “He looked different in sleep, beautiful but cold as moonlight.”-The Song of Achilles
23. “Divine blood flows differently in each god-born child.”-The Song of Achilles
This quote from The Song of Achilles perfectly encapsulates the unique and special nature of children who are born of gods. These children are blessed with amazing abilities and gifts that set them apart from mortals. They are often seen as powerful, divine beings in their own right.
And while they may have similarities, each child of a god is ultimately unique. Their blood flows with the power of the gods, giving them strength, speed, and abilities beyond mortal comprehension.
So when you meet a child of a god, know that you are meeting someone truly special – someone, who is touched by the divine.
24. “There was nothing clever to say, so I said something foolish.”-The Song of Achilles
25. “Our men liked conquest; they did not trust a man who was conquered himself.”-The Song of Achilles
26. “The never-ending ache of love and sorrow.”-The Song of Achilles
This line is spoken by Achilles after he has been told that his beloved companion has been killed in battle. While many people may see this statement as simply being poetic, there is actually a lot of truth to it. Love and sorrow are two emotions that are closely linked.
It is often said that you cannot have one without the other. When we love someone, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing great sorrow if they are taken from us.
And yet, even though we know this, we still continue to love. Because despite the pain, love is still worth it. As the Song of Achilles reminds us, love is an essential part of what makes us human.
27. “Do not let what you gained this day be so easily lost.”-The Song of Achilles
Let’s Wind Up…
We hope you enjoyed these 27 Classical Songs of Achilles Quotes. If there’s one thing we want you to take away from this blog post, it’s that the Song of Achilles is a work of literary genius.
The wordsmithing and storytelling are unparalleled. Not only are the quotes themselves beautiful and poetic, but they also offer great insights into the characters and plot of the novel. Did any particular quote resonate with you? Let us know in the comments below!