In Trojan War mythology, Patroclus used Achilles’ armor after Achilles withdrew from battle.
Achilles refused to fight after quarrelling with Agamemnon over Briseis. As the Trojans threatened the Greek ships, Patroclus asked to lead the Myrmidons while wearing Achilles’ distinctive armor. The disguise was intended to make the Trojans believe Achilles had returned and to restore Greek confidence.
Patroclus succeeded in pushing the Trojans back, but he went beyond Achilles’ instructions. He pursued the enemy toward Troy and was killed by a combination of forces, with Hector delivering the decisive blow in Homer’s account. Hector then took Achilles’ armor from the fallen warrior.
Achilles’ grief over Patroclus’ death ends his withdrawal. He receives new armor from Hephaestus and returns to kill Hector. Patroclus’ use of the armor therefore marks the turning point between Achilles’ absence and his final campaign.