Final answer:
Patroclus's body becomes a point of contention in Homer's Iliad. After his death, the Greeks and Trojans fight over his body until Achilles retrieves it, leading to proper funeral rites, including a pyre.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body of Patroclus becomes the center of a fierce struggle between the Trojans and the Greeks. After Patroclus's death at the hands of Hector, Achilles rages into battle to avenge his friend and recover the body. This fight is a pivotal point in Homer's Iliad, where the narrative not only focuses on the valor and anguish of the characters but also on the profound themes of honor and mortality.
Eventually, Achilles slays Hector and the Greeks are able to secure Patroclus's corpse. The Greeks then conduct funeral rites, including a pyre for Patroclus, showing the importance they placed on proper burial practices to honor the dead and ensure their place in the afterlife. It is a reflection of ancient Greek beliefs surrounding death and heroism.