Book sixteen tells of a developing Achilles. While he is still seen as a renouncer of his military code of honor, the irresponsibility on his part is much more surreptitious. Achilles finally agrees to take part in the war. He allows his best friend Patroclus to join the battle and lends him his personal armor. The Trojans were overwhelming the Achaeans and Achilles orders his unit, the Myrmidon soldiers, to fight for Agamemnon. At first glance, Achilles' gift to Patroclus seems like a gesture of honor, he was supporting a war effort that needed to be fought for the honor of the Achaeans. After considering his motivations, however, it appears that Achilles' decision was actually a way to avoid battle altogether. By giving up his armour, Achilles was unable to protect himself during the conflict which forced him to avoid most of the fighting. Furthermore, by ordering his troops into the war, he ensured that the war would be won, thus guaranteeing everyone a safe boat ride back to Athens. Although this response was seemingly self-centered, it probably had a more positive impact on Achilles' kleos than in previous sagas. Allowing his soldiers to join the battle while he sat on the sidelines would build his kleos without any threat to himself, after all he was the great general of soldiers who won the war for