The belief carries the ancient authority of both Aeschylus and Plato, even though the plain sense of Homer’s text is devoid of evidence that these two comrade-in-arms, Achilles and Patroklos, were sexual partners. Achilles’ grief for Patroklos would not have been greater had they been a sexual couple, nor less if they had been. Many combat veterans are denied compassionate understanding by civilians, because so many people cannot comprehend a love between a men that is rich and passionate but not necessarily sexual. Veterans need to voice their grief and love for their dead comrades if they are to heal. However, many have learned to keep quiet because of their culture’s discomfort with love between men that is so deeply felt. ― Jonathan Shay, Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character

The belief carries the ancient authority of both Aeschylus and Plato, even though the plain sense of Homer’s text is devoid of evidence that these two comrade-in-arms, Achilles and Patroklos, were sexual partners. Achilles’ grief for Patroklos would not have been greater had they been a sexual couple, nor less if they had been. Many combat veterans are denied compassionate understanding by civilians, because so many people cannot comprehend a love between a men that is rich and passionate but not necessarily sexual. Veterans need to voice their grief and love for their dead comrades if they are to heal. However, many have learned to keep quiet because of their culture’s discomfort with love between men that is so deeply felt.
― Jonathan Shay,

Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character

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