Sorry but that's another proof that the book doesn't understand the characters at all from Homer's iliad.
1. Patroclus being racist: Homer’s Patroclus is empathetic, kind, and deeply loyal to Achilles. He’s not shown to have any prejudices and is even loved by the Greek soldiers and servants because of his gentle nature (Iliad 16). This accusation is totally baseless in both Homer and any faithful interpretation of his character.
2. Thetis: In the Iliad, Thetis is a caring but sorrowful mother. She mourns Achilles’ mortal fate and helps him when he needs her, like getting him new armor from Hephaestus (Iliad 18). She’s never shown as cruel or abusive. Her protective nature isn’t “hateful”—it’s a reflection of her love and grief.
3. Achilles standing up to Thetis: Achilles doesn’t defy Thetis in the Iliad. In fact, he relies on her for emotional and divine support. When Patroclus dies, he begs her for help, and she comforts him and fulfills his requests, like asking Zeus to favor the Trojans temporarily ( Iliad 1, 18). The idea that he “realizes she’s awful” is completely out of character.
4. Achilles staying in Scyros for Deidameia: In myth, Achilles hides in Scyros disguised as a girl because Thetis doesn’t want him to fight in Troy and die. This whole subplot isn’t in the Iliad at all, and Achilles does not stay out of “honor” for Deidameia—he leaves to join the war as soon as Odysseus finds him.
5. Deidameia’s portrayal: Deidameia doesn’t appear in the Iliad. In the wider mythological tradition, she’s a victim of circumstance, tricked into a short-lived relationship with Achilles that’s mostly forgotten once he leaves. The Iliad focuses on Briseis as Achilles’ captive and potential romantic interest, not Deidameia.
6. Thetis and the Trojan War: In the Iliad, Thetis doesn’t want Achilles to go to Troy because she knows it will lead to his death (Iliad 1). She intervenes multiple times to protect him and honor his wishes, like convincing Zeus to punish the Greeks after Agamemnon insults Achilles. She doesn’t push for the war—it’s the opposite.
Homer’s characters are much more complex and grounded in their roles within the myth. Miller’s reinterpretation adds some modern touches but strays far from their original personalities, especially in ways this post exaggerates or misrepresents.
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