John Mullan's 10 best funerals in literature

At the Guardian, John Mullan named ten of the best funerals in literature.

One funeral on the list:

The Iliad by Homer

Those Homeric warriors loved their funerals. When Patroclus, Achilles's best mate, is killed by the Trojans, he gets the full works: manly dirges, a funeral feast and then ritual immolation. Hunting dogs, war horses and 12 Trojan captives are also tossed on the pyre. The cremation is followed by funeral games, with big prizes for the top athletes.

Read about another funeral on Mullan's list.

--Marshal Zeringue