In Greek mythology, Hector killed Patroclus during the Trojan War. Hector was Troy’s greatest warrior and the eldest son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba.
Patroclus had entered battle wearing Achilles’ armor in an effort to drive the Trojans away from the Greek ships. The disguise initially made the Trojans think Achilles had returned. Patroclus pursued the retreating forces too far, and the gods and Trojan fighters turned the battle against him.
Ancient accounts describe Apollo as helping disorient Patroclus before Euphorbus wounded him. Hector then delivered the fatal blow and took Achilles’ armor. Patroclus’s death changed the course of the war because it persuaded Achilles to return to combat.
Achilles later killed Hector outside Troy. He then honored Patroclus with funeral games, while the Trojan king Priam came secretly to Achilles’ camp to recover Hector’s body. The deaths of Patroclus and Hector form the emotional center of Homer’s Iliad.