Definition: Sarpedon, leader of the Lycians, was an important ally of the Trojans. He was a son of Zeus whom the king of the gods nevertheless allowed to die in Book XVI of The Iliad in order to avoid setting bad example. The death comes in battle: Patroclus and Sarpedon rush at each other. Zeus looks on and says he would like to rescue Sarpedon. Hera says Sarpedon is fated to be killed by Patroclus and if Zeus steps in, the other gods will do likewise to save their favorites. Hera suggests instead that Zeus sweep him (once he is dead) from the field to Lycia for proper burial.
Patroclus kills Sarpedon's squire; Sarpedon aims at Patroclus, but his spear kills one of the Greek's horses. Two other horses of the chariot go wild until they are entangled in the reins, so Automedon cuts the dead horse away, so the chariot is once again fit for battle. Sarpedon throws another spear that misses Patroclus and Patroclus throws a return missile which kills Sarpedon.
