Why did Achilles withdraw from the war and later return NU Homer c - BCE presents the anger and sorrow of Achilles in his epic poem The Iliad BCE He first withdraws from the war after a quarrel with Agamemnon Later he returns after the death of Patroclus Quarrel with Agamemnon The poem begins with the anger of Achilles Homer says The rage of Achilles sing it now goddess Agamemnon insults Achilles by taking away Briseis Achilles feels dishonored and deeply insulted He says he will not fight anymore His pride is greater than the war He prays to his mother Thetis to ask Zeus Achilles wants the Trojans to win for his revenge Grief for Patroclus Patroclus his dear friend fights wearing his armour Hector kills Patroclus in single combat Achilles cries in pain and grief He forgets his anger with Agamemnon He only wants to take revenge on