HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XIII: THE BATTLE FOR THE SHIPS.
Introduction:
The content of Book XIII of the "Iliad" continues the third day of fighting, which begins in Book XI and will not end until Book XVIII. The previous book describes a set-piece attack on the wall around the Greek camp and their ships, which was successfully breached by Hector. This book begins as the Trojans are bursting into the Greek camp, and the Greeks withstand the Trojan attack with some difficulty. Book XIII is a long book and full of details of fighting and deaths on both sides, and its nature is somewhat circular, i.e. it begins with the Trojans attacking and the Greeks defending, and that too is exactly how it ends. In fact, it is the beginning of an interlude, or a relatively slack period in the plot, which features Books XIII-XV. In the continued absence of the severely disgruntled Achilles, and the three major heroes Diomedes, Odysseus and Agamemnon, who were wounded in Book XI, some relatively minor figures take the limelight on the side of the Greeks, especially Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans - see ll. 361-515 below, the extract known as Idomeneus's 'aristeia', i.e. that part of the story where a single warrior dominates the narrative - , but also Meriones, Menelaus, and Antilochus. The one front rank Greek warrior still available to confront Hector is Ajax the Greater, or Ajax, the son of Telamon. During these three books, since Zeus is favouring the Trojans at Thetis' request, because Agamamnon has disrespected Achilles, but his brother Poseidon is secretly aiding the Greeks, the results of the fighting between the two sides is relatively even, with the Greeks even managing to score some successes, until at the end of Book XV Trojan superiority is reasserted, as a prelude to the tragic death of Achilles' bosom pal, Patroclus, in Book XVI.
Ll. 1-31. Concerned at the dangers of their situation, Poseidon prepares to visit the Achaeans.
And so, when Zeus had brought Hector and the Trojans near to the ships, he left them to suffer toil and woe unceasingly beside them, but he himself turned away his bright eyes and looked down from afar upon the land of the Thracian horsemen, and of the Mysians, who fight hand to hand (i.e. probably not the Mysians of Anatolia, but the Moesians of the Danube valley), and of the noble Hippemolgi, who live on milk (n.b. alternatively they could be called the mare-milking Glactophagi) and of the Abians, the most just of men. And he no longer turned his bright eyes to Troy at all; for in his heart he did not believe that any of the immortals would come to the assistance of either the Trojans or the Danaans.
Nor did the Lord Earthshaker (i.e. Poseidon) keep a blind man's watch (i.e. things did not escape his notice); for he too sat admiring the battle and the fighting, high on the topmost peak of wooded Samothrace; for from there all of Ida was plain to see, and plain to see was the city of Priam and the ships of the Achaeans. There he sat, having come from the sea, and he took pity on the Achaeans, as they were being overcome by the Trojans, and he was mightily angry with Zeus.
Her came down at once from the rugged mountain, striding forth swiftly on his feet; and the high mountains and woodlands trembled beneath the immortal feet of Poseidon as he went. He took three strides on his course, and at the fourth stride he reached his goal, (namely) Aegae (i.e. the legendary city, sacred to Poseidon, on the east coast of the island of Euboea that gave its name to the Aegean Sea), and there his famous palace, gleaming with gold, was built in the depths of the sea, forever imperishable. There he came, and harnessed a pair of bronze-hooved horses beneath (the yoke of) his carriage, swift-running (they were) and bedecked with golden manes, and he put golden clothes around his body and grasped a well-wrought golden whip, and he mounted his chariot and went driving over the waves; then, the sea-beasts, (coming) from their lairs gambolled beneath him on every side, nor did they fail to perceive their lord; and in its joy the sea stood apart; and they sped on right swiftly, and the bronze axle beneath (them) remained unwet ; and unto the ships of the Achaeans did the bounding steeds bear him.
Ll. 32-58. Poseidon rouses the Aiantes.
There is a wide cavern in the depths of the deep (stretch of) water midway between Tenedos (i.e. an island in the northern Aegean near the Trojan coast) and rocky Imbros (i.e. another island in the northern Aegean between Samothrace and the Troad); there Poseidon the Earthshaker stayed his horses, and he loosed (them) from his carriage and cast ambrosial food before (them) to eat; and about their feet he placed golden shackles, unbreakable and not to be loosened, in order that they might abide there firmly fixed and await the return of their master, and he (himself) went to the host of the Achaeans.
But the Trojans, all in one body, like a flame or the blast of a tempest, were following Hector, the son of Priam, with unsatiable eagerness, and joining together in their loud shouts; and they were expecting to take the ships of the Achaeans, and to kill all their best (men) there beside (them). But Poseidon, the Mover and Shaker of the Earth, came from the deep sea and urged on the Argives, appearing as Calchas (i.e. the prophet of the Achaeans), both in his form and in his tireless voice; he spoke first to the two Aiantes (i.e. Ajax the Greater and Ajax the Lesser), who were both of them also eager (for the fray): "You two Aiantes shall save the host of the Achaeans, if you are mindful of your strength, and not of chilling flight. For elsewhere I have no dread of the invincible hands of the Trojans, who have climbed our great wall in a throng; for the well-greaved Achaeans will hold (them) all back; but (it is) here (that) I have a great fear that we shall suffer something disastrous, where that madman is leading (them) on like a flame of fire, (namely) Hector, who could almost be a son of almighty Zeus. May some god put (it) in your hearts to stand firm yourselves, and bid others (to do likewise); then, in that case you might drive (him) back from the swift-faring ships, even if the Olympian himself (i.e. Zeus) is urging him on."
Ll. 59-80. The two Aiantes recognise the divine intervention.
So he spoke, and then the Mover and Shaker of the Earth smote (them) both (i.e. the two Aiantes) with his staff, (and) filled (them both) with mighty strength, and he made their limbs (feel) light (and) their feet and arms over and above (them too). And, just as he himself came forth as a swift-winged hawk, and, raising himself aloft above a sheer rock, he darted over the plain to pursue another bird, so Poseidon the Earthshaker sped away from them. And, of the two of them, swift Ajax, (son) of Oïleus, was the first to recognise (him). and forthwith he spoke to Ajax, the son of Telamon: "Ajax, seeing that (it is) one of the gods who holds Olympus in the likeness of the seer (who) bids us fight beside the ships, for he is not Calchas the prophet, who reads omen in the flight of birds; for easily did I recognise the prints of his feet and legs as he went away from us, for the gods themselves are easily known; and my own heart, also within my own breast, is the more stirred to go to war and to fight, and my feet beneath (me) and my arms above (me) are quivering with eagerness."
Then, Ajax, the son of Telamon, spoke to him in reply: "So even now my invincible hands are eager (to go) around my spear, and my might is aroused, and I am driving both my feet beneath (me); and I am eager to fight, even in single combat, Priam's son Hector, insatiably eager (as he is)."
Ll. 81-124. Poseidon inspires the Achaeans.
So they spoke such (words) to each other, as they exulted in the desire for battle, which the god had put into their hearts; meanwhile the Earthmover (i.e. Poseidon) roused the other Achaeans behind the front line, who were seeking to revive their spirits beside the swift ships. Their limbs had been weakened by their grievous toil, and despair came over their hearts when they beheld the Trojans who had climbed over their great wall in a throng. Indeed, as they looked at them, tears poured forth from beneath their brows, for they did not expect to escape from ruin; but the Earthshaker, passing easily among (them), aroused their strong battalions. First, he came to Teucer (i.e. bastard son of Telamon and half-brother of Ajax the Greater) and (to) Leïtus (i.e. co-commander of the Boeotians), to bid (them) on, and (then) to Peneleos (i.e. the other co-commander of the Boeotians) and the warrior Thoas (i.e. commander of the Aetolians), and Deïpyrus, and Meriones (i.e. second-in-command of the Cretan contingent and close associate of Idomeneus), and Antilochus (i.e. eldest son of Nestor, King of Pylos, and the favourite of Achilles after Patroclus), leaders of the war-cry, and, in order to spur (them) on, he spoke these winged words: "Shame on you, Argives, young boys (that you are): I trusted in your fighting to save our ships, but, if you are to flinch from grievous warfare, the day has now come (for us) to be crushed by the Trojans. Alas, this (is) a great marvel (that) I behold with my eyes, a dread (thing) that I never used to think would come to pass, that the Trojans should make headway against our ships, (they) who in times past were just like timorous hinds, that in the woodlands become food for jackals, and leopards, and wolves, and so they wander about in their impotence, and there is no fighting spirit in them; so previously the Trojans were not prepared to stand and face the might and hands of the Achaeans, no, not even for a moment; but now, far from the city, they are fighting at the hollow ships, due to the base behaviour of our leader and the slackness of those people, who, being at strife with him, are unwilling to defend the swift-faring ships, but are being slain among them. But if, in truth, the warrior son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, is the cause of it all, because he greatly dishonoured the swift-footed son of Peleus, let us in no way hold back from the fighting. But let us the more quickly make amends; the hearts of good men are capable of changing for the better. But you, who are all the best (men) in the army, no longer hold back your fighting strength rightly. I, for my part, would not quarrel with a man, who was hanging back from the fight because he was a cowardly (creature); but with you I am exceedingly displeased in my heart. O (you) weaklings, soon you will cause some greater evil through this slackness (of yours); but everyone of you will feel in his heart a sense of shame and the disapproval (of others), for now a mighty struggle has arisen. Now, mighty Hector, good at the war-cry, fights beside the ships, and he has broken the gates and their long cross-bar."
Ll. 125-154. The Trojans and the Achaeans engage in close combat.
So did the Earthmover arouse the Achaeans with his word of command. And round about the two Aiantes their battalions took their stand, and (so) strong were they that not even Ares would have entered in and made light of them, nor even Athene, arouser of the people; for they, the bravest (men) chosen, awaited (the onset) of the Trojans and godlike Hector, fencing spears with spear, (and) shield with overlapping shield; then shield pressed on shield, helmet on helmet, and man on man; helmets decked with horse-hair touched (others) bending forwards with their shining plumes, as they stood by one another in close array; spears, brandished by bold hands, were packed together; they faced straight forward, and they were eager to fight.
Then, the Trojans burst forward in a throng, and Hector led (them), pressing forward like a boulder from a cliff, which a river, swollen by winter rain, has dislodged from the crest (of a hill), when it has shattered by its wondrous flood the hold of that ruthless rock; high (in the air) it leaps and flies, and the woods resound beneath it; and it runs firmly on its course, until it reaches level ground, and then it rolls no more, despite its eagerness. So, for a time, Hector threatened to make his way easily to the sea through the huts and ships of the Achaeans, killing (as he went); but, when he met the close-packed battalions, then was he brought to a halt right up against (them); and the sons of the Achaeans faced (him), and, thrusting (at him) with their swords and their spears with double-edged heads, they drove (him) away from them; and, as he fell back, he was made to shake. Then, he uttered a piercing cry, as he shouted aloud to the Trojans: "(You) Trojans, and Lycians and Dardanians, that fight in close combat, stay beside (me)! The Achaeans will not hold me back for long, even though they place themselves in very close formation, but I think they will fall back beneath my spear, if the greatest of the gods, the loud-thundering husband of Hera (i.e. Zeus), has truly urged (me) on."
Ll. 155-194. The fighting continues.
So speaking, he (i.e. Hector) aroused the strength and spirit of each (man). And high-minded Deïphobus, Priam's son, strode among them, and before (him) he held his shield, well-balanced (as it was) on all sides (i.e. it was round), and he stepped forward nimbly on his feet, and advanced under cover of his shield. Then, Meriones took aim at him with his shining spear, and smote his bull's-hide shield, well-balanced all around, and he did not miss; but he did not pierce it in any way, but well before (that) the long spear was broken in the socket (i.e. the top of the shaft, where the wood meets the metal tip); and Deïphobus held the bull's-hide shield away from him, and wise Meriones' spear brought fear to his heart; but the warrior (i.e. Meriones) fell back into the mass of his companions, and he was exceedingly angry, both because of (the loss of) victory and because of the spear which he had broken. And he went on his way by the huts and ships of the Achaeans to bring back a long spear which had been left in his hut.
But the rest fought on, and a ceaseless war-cry arose. Then, Teucer, Telamon's son, (was) the first (to) slay his man, (namely) the spearman Imbrios, son of Mentor, rich in horses; now, he used to dwell in Pedaeon (i.e. a city in the Troad), before the sons of the Achaeans came, and he married Medesicaste, the natural daughter of Priam; but, when the curved ships of the Danaans came, he went back to Ilium, and distinguished himself among the Trojans, and lived with Priam, who honoured him like his own children. Telamon's son stabbed him under the ear with his long spear, and pulled out the spear; then, he fell like an ash-tree on the summit of a mountain, which can be seen all around from afar, that is cut down by the bronze, and brings its tender leaves down (with it) to the ground. So he fell, and around him rang his armour, wrought with bronze. And Teucer rushed forward, eager to strip his armour from (him), but, as he rushed, Hector aimed a shot (at him) with his shining spear. But looking at (him) face to face, he just avoided the bronze spear; but he (i.e. Hector) smote Amphimachus, the son of Cteatus, son of Actor (i.e. he was one of the four commanders of the Epean contingent), in the breast with his spear; and he thudded (to the ground) as he fell, and his armour clattered about him. Then, Hector rushed forward to tear the helmet that was fitted to his temples from the head of great-hearted Amphimachus; but Ajax (i.e. the son of Telamon) thrust at Hector with his shining spear as he rushed forward; but no where could his flesh be seen, and all (of him) was covered with fearsome bronze; but he struck at the boss of his shield and drove (him) back with his mighty strength; then he (i.e. Hector) fell back from the two corpses (i.e. those of Imbrius and Amphimachus), and the Achaeans dragged them away.
Ll. 195-230. Poseidon rouses Idomeneus.
Then did Stichius and godlike Menestheus, leaders of the Athenians, carry Amphimachus through the host of the Achaeans; and the two Aiantes, longing for the fury of battle, lifted up Imbrius, and, as when two lions have snatched away a goat from the protection of sharp-toothed hounds, and bear (it) through the thick brushwood, holding (it) high above the ground between their jaws, so did the two warrior Aiantes (lift) him on high, and strip (him) of his armour; and, in his fury (at the death) of Amphimachus, the son of Oïleus cut the head from his tender neck, and, spinning around, he hurled it (like) a ball through the throng; and it fell in the dust before the feet of Hector.
And, then, Poseidon was enraged in his heart because his grandson (i.e. Imbrius, whose father Cteatus was regarded as the natural son of Poseidon) had fallen in the dread of battle, and he went his way beside the huts and the ships of the Achaeans to rouse the Danaans, and he was preparing woes for the Trojans. And then the famous spearman, Idomeneus (i.e. king of Crete, and the leader of the Cretan contingent), met him as he was coming from the side of a comrade, who had just come from battle, struck in the hollow of his knee by a sharp bronze (weapon). His comrades had carried him in, but he (i.e. Idomeneus) had instructed the healers, and was going to his hut; for he was still eager to partake in the fighting; then the lord Earthshaker spoke to him, likening his voice to (that of) Thoas, son of Andraemon, who was king of the Aetolians in the whole of Pleuron and steep Calydon, and was honoured as a god by his people: "Idomeneus, (you) counsellor of the Cretans, where are your threats gone, (those) with which the sons of the Achaeans used to threaten the Trojans?"
Then, Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, spoke to him in reply: "O Thoas, no man is now at fault, so far as I know; for we all know how to fight. Nor does craven fear hold any (of us) back, nor does anyone give way to dread, and shirk the misery of battle; but even so, it seems to be pleasing in some way to the almighty son of Cronos that the Achaeans should perish here nameless far from Argos. But Thoas, for in former times you were ever staunch in fight, do you also urge on another, whenever you see (him) slacking; so, do not stop now, but summon every man you meet."
Ll. 231-265. Having donned his armour, Idomeneus meets Meriones in his hut.
Then did Poseidon the Earthshaker answer him: "Idomeneus, may that man, who on this day shrinks from the fight of his own free will, never return home from Troy, but now become the sport of dogs. But come, take up your armour and go forth from here; now, if we are to be any help, we must deal with this (business) together, even though there are but two (of us). Combination brings courage, even in the very poorest of men, and we two know how to fight even good (warriors)."
So speaking, he went back again, a god into the toil of men; and, when Idomeneus reached his well-built hut, he put his fine armour around his body, and grasped two spears, and went his way like the lightning that the son of Cronos took in his hands and brandished from shining Olympus, shown (as) a sign to mortals; and very conspicuous (were) its rays; so shone the bronze around his breast as he ran. Now, Meriones, his valiant squire met (him while he was) still near the hut, for he was on his way to fetch a bronze spear; then, mighty Idomeneus spoke to him: "Meriones, son of Molus, swift of foot (and) the dearest of my companions, why pray have you come (here), leaving the war and the battle? Have you been wounded in some way, and is the point of some missile distressing you? But, let me tell you, I myself do not yearn to sit in these huts, but to fight."
Then, the wise Meriones said to him in reply: "Idomeneus, counsellor of the bronze-clad Cretans, I am on my way to fetch a spear, if, (by chance) one has been left in the huts by you; for the one that I used to bear of old I have shattered when I cast it at the shield of the overbearing Deïphobus."
Then, Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, addressed him again in reply: "Spears you shall find, if you wish, be it one or twenty, standing in the hut (leaning) against the radiant inner walls, (spears once belonging to) the Trojans, which I have taken from the dead; for I am not inclined to fight with hostile warriors, while I am standing some way off. So, I have spears and bossed shields, and helmets and breastplates gleaming bright."
Ll. 266-294. Idomeneus and Meriones discuss the need for courage.
Then, the wise Meriones said to him in reply: "(But,) let me tell you, I too (have) many spoils of the Trojans in my hut and black ship; but they are not close at hand (for me) to take. Nor indeed do I think that I am forgetful of valour, but I take my stand among the foremost in battle where men win glory, whenever the strife of war should arise. Perhaps, as I fight, I may escape the notice of another one of the bronze-clad Achaeans, but I do think that you yourself should be aware (of me)."
Then again, Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, addressed him in reply: "I know what sort of (a man) you are; what need is there for you to talk of it? For, if now all the best (of us) were selected by the ships for an ambush, where men's best valour is discerned, and where the cowardly man, and (the one) who (is) brave, are revealed - for the skin of the coward changes to another hue, nor is the spirit in his heart so controlled that he can sit still, but he keeps changing from knee to knee and settles down on both feet, and the heart beats loudly in his breast, foretelling his death, and a chattering of his teeth occurs; but the skin of the brave (man) does not change its colour, nor does he fear overmuch when he first takes his place in the ambush of warriors, and he prays to mingle most quickly in woeful warfare - (in these circumstances) no (man) would make light of your courage and (the strength of) your hands. For, if you were struck or stabbed in the heat of battle, the missile would not fall from behind in your neck or in your back, but it would land on your breast or your stomach, as you press forward into the company of the foremost fighters. But come, let us stand here no longer and say these (things) like little children, lest perhaps some man should show wrath beyond measure; but do you go to my hut and take for yourself a mighty spear."
Ll. 295-327. Idomeneus and Meriones re-enter the battle.
So he spoke, and Meriones, like swift Ares, quickly took up a bronze spear from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, fully concentrating on the battle. And, just as Ares, the bane of men, goes to war, and with him follows Phobos (i.e. Flight), his son, valiant and fearless, who turns a warrior to flight, stout-hearted though (he be) - these two arm themselves and go forth from Thrace (i.e. the home of the God of War) to join with the Ephyri, or with the great-hearted Phlegyes; but they hearken not to both (of them), and they give glory to one or the other - , so do Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of men, go to battle, helmeted in gleaming bronze. Then, Meriones first spoke these words to him: "Son of Deucalion, where then do you wish to enter the throng (of battle)? On the right of all the army, or in the centre, or on the left, since nowhere (else) do I think that the long-haired Achaeans are so failing in the fight, (as on the left)."
Now, Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, addressed him once more in reply: "In the middle of the ships, there are others to provide defence, (namely) the two Aiantes, and Teucer, the best of the Achaeans in archery and a good (man) too in close combat; they shall drive him to the full, Priam's son Hector, (that is), even if he is very steadfast, and eager for war. Hard shall it be for him, very eager to fight though (he be), to overcome their might and their invincible hands, and set fire to the ships, unless the son of Cronos, himself, should cast a blazing fire-brand upon the swift ships. But great Ajax, son of Telamon, will not yield to any man, who is a mortal and eats the grain of Demeter, and can be broken by bronze and large boulders. Not even to Achilles, breaker of men's ranks, would he give way, in close fighting at least; but in (fleetness of) foot it is not possible (for any man) to vie (with him). But as for us, do you thus make for the left of the host, so that we may quickly know whether we shall give our triumph to another, or he to us."
Ll. 328-360. The Achaeans and the Trojans are locked in battle.
So he spoke, and Meriones led the way like swift Ares, until they came to that part of the host where he (i.e. Idomeneus) had bade (him) go.
Now, when they (i.e. the Trojans) saw Idomeneus looking like a flame in his might, him and his squire in their skilfully wrought armour, they called out to (one another) through the throng, and they all made for him; and their massed battle took place at the ships' sterns. And, as when the gusts blow strongly in the shrill of the winds on a day when the dust (lies) thickest over the paths, and they cause a great cloud of dust to arise in the same place, so did their battle then come to one and the same spot, and in their hearts they were eager to slay one another with the sharp bronze in the throng of battle. And the murderous battle bristled with long spears, which they wielded to cut through flesh; and the flash of bronze from gleaming helmets, and freshly burnished breastplates and shining shields blinded their eyes as they came together; very sturdy at heart would he be, who rejoiced then when he saw the toil (of war), and did not grieve (at it).
And so did the two mighty sons of Cronos see things differently, as they caused grievous woes for the mortal warriors. Zeus was wishing victory (to go) to the Trojans and Hector, (thus) honouring the swift-footed Achilles; no way did he want the Achaean army to be wholly destroyed before Ilium, but he was seeking to honour Thetis and her stout-hearted son. But Poseidon, secretly emerging from the grey sea, went among the Argives, and urged (them) on; for he was annoyed that they were being defeated by the Trojans, and he was greatly displeased with Zeus. For in truth, they both (came of) the same stock and of one parentage, but Zeus had been born earlier and knew more (things). So, he (i.e. Poseidon) avoided giving assistance openly, but he constantly sought to arouse (them, i.e. the Achaeans), (going) secretly through the host in the likeness of a man. So, they crossed and tied the rope of mighty strife and evenly-balanced battle over both (armies), (a knot that was) not to be broken or undone, but which loosed the knees (i.e. saw the death) of many (men).
Ll. 361-401. Idomeneus begins to dominate the battlefield.
Then Idomeneus, though his hair was half-grey, summoned the Danaans, and leapt among the Trojans and put (them) to flight. For he slew Othryoneus from Cabesus, who was living within (the city), (he) who had recently come following the news of war, and he sought (in marriage) Cassandra, the comeliest of the daughters of Priam without bringing any gifts, but he promised a mighty deed, to drive away the sons of the Achaeans forcibly from Troy. The old man Priam promised that he would give (her) to him, and nodded (his head) in assent, and (so) he fought, trusting in his promises. But Idomeneus aimed at him with his shining spear, and, as he strode aloft, it happened to strike him; nor did his bronze breastplate ward (it) off, and it pierced him, and stuck fast in the middle of his belly. And he fell (to the ground) with a thud; and he stood in triumph (over him) and said: "Othryoneus, beyond all (other) mortals do I praise you, if indeed you should accomplish all (the things) which you promised Dardanian Priam, at the time when he promised (you) his daughter. (Now,) we too would promise you such (things) and bring (them) about, and we would give (you) the comeliest of the daughters of the son of Atreus (i.e. Agamemnon) and bring her from Argos for you to marry, if, together with us, you would sack the well-inhabited city of Ilium. But (come) follow (us), so that we may reach agreement by the sea-faring ships about the marriage, since we shall not be hard on you about exacting a bride-price."
So speaking, the warrior Idomeneus began to drag (him) by the foot through the thick of the fight; but Asius came (as) his defender on foot in front of his horses; but his comrade charioteer (so) restrained them that their breath was always on his shoulders; and in his heart he longed to strike Idomeneus; but, before he could do so, he struck (him) with his spear in the throat under his chin, and the bronze (point) drove right through (it). Then, he fell, just like when an oak-tree falls, or a poplar, or a tall pine, which men (who are) carpenters cut down with newly-whetted axes to be (tinder) for ships. Thus did he lie, stretched out in front of his horses and chariot, bellowing (with pain) and clutching at the blood-red dust. And his charioteer was frightened out of whatever wits he once had, nor did he dare to escape from the hands of his enemies and turn back his horses, and Antilochus, staunch in battle, caught him with his spear and ran him through the middle; nor did his bronze breastplate protect (him), but it pierced him and stuck fast in the middle of his belly.
Ll. 402-423. Deïphobus strikes back on behalf of the Trojans.
Then, Deïphobus came very close to Idomeneus, grieved (as he was) at (the death) of Asius, and hurled his spear (at him). But Idomeneus, looking (at him) face to face, avoided his bronze spear; for he was covered by his shield, alike on all sides (i.e. it was round), which he always carried, wrought with bulls' hides and flashing bronze, and fitted with two cross-bars; his whole (body) was crouched beneath it, and the bronze spear flew over (him), and his shield rang hollow as the spear grazed over it; and yet he did not discharge it from his heavy hand in vain, but he smote Hypsenor, son of Hippasus, shepherd of the host, in the liver beneath his midriff, and at once it loosed the knees beneath him. Then, Deïphobus, exulted greatly, crying out loudly: "Now, indeed, Asius does not lie unavenged, but I think that even as he makes his way to (the house of) Hades, strong warder of the gates, he will be glad at heart, since I have sent him an escort."
So he spoke, and sorrow came over the Argives, because of his exulting, and particularly did he stir the heart of the warrior Antilochus; but, despite his sorrow; he did not forget his comrade, but he ran and stood over (him) and covered him with his shield. Then, two trusty comrades, Mecisteus, son of Echius, and godlike Alastor, went underneath (him), and bore him, groaning heavily, to the hollow ships.
Ll. 424-454. Idomeneus kills Alcathous.
But Idomeneus did not stay his great might, and was ever longing either to envelop one of the Trojans in the darkness of night, or to fall himself while warding off ruin from the Achaeans. Then, the warrior Alcathous, the dear son of Aesyetes, fostered by Zeus - and he was the son-in-law of Anchises, and was married to Hippodamia, the eldest of his daughters, whom her father and her queenly mother loved with all their hearts in their house; for she surpassed all the girls of the same age (as her) in beauty, and in handiwork, and in sense of mind; and for this reason the best man in the broad (land of) Troy had taken her to wife - then did Poseidon subdue this (man) at the hands of Idomeneus, by casting a spell upon his eyes, and ensnaring his glorious limbs; for, henceforth, he could not flee or avoid (the spear), but, as he stood motionless like a pillar or a tree with high foliage, the warrior Idomeneus smote (him) in the middle of his breast with a spear, and it broke through the bronze coat, which had previously warded off death from his body; but now it rang harshly as it was torn by the spear. And he fell (to the ground) with a thud, and the spear was fixed in his heart, and his (heart) as it jerked shook the butt-end of the spear; there did mighty Ares then stay his might; then did Idomeneus greatly exult, crying out loudly: "Do we now consider it to be right, Deïphobus, that three (men) (i.e. Othryoneus, Asius, and Alcathous) have been slain against one (i.e. Hypsenor)? For this is how you like to boast. But stand forth yourself, (you) fool, and face me, so that you may know what sort of son of Zeus I am that has come hither; for he first begat Minos to watch over Crete; and, then, Minos begat a son, the peerless Deucalion, and Deucalion begat me, lord over many men in wide Crete; and now my ships have borne me here (as) a bane to you, and your father, and the other Trojans."
Ll. 455-486. Deïphobus exhorts Aeneas to join the battle.
So he spoke, and (the mind of) Deïphobus was torn in two directions, whether to draw back and join up in some way with one of the great-hearted Trojans, or to try things out alone. Then, as he pondered, this seemed (to him) to be the better (course), to go in search of Aeneas; and he found him, standing at the end of the throng; for he was constantly feeling angry with godlike Priam, because, brave though he was among men, he did not show him the slightest honour. And he stood near (him) and spoke these winged words: "Aeneas, counsellor of the Trojans, now it is very necessary for you to come to the aid of your brother-in-law, if grief ever comes over you at all. But (come), follow (me), and let us bring assistance to Alcathous, who, being your sister's husband, once raised you in his home when you were small; for, let me tell you, Idomeneus, the famous spearman, has slain him in battle."
So he spoke, and he roused the heart in his breast, and he (i.e. Aeneas) went after Idomeneus, thinking deeply of battle. But no fear took hold of Idomeneus, like (he was) a boy, but he stood his ground, like some boar in the mountains trusting in his strength, who steadfastly awaits a great noisy rabble of men that comes upon him in a lonely place, and his back bristles above (him); and his eyes blaze with fire; and he whets his tusks, eager to defend himself against both dogs and men; so the famous spearman Idomeneus stood his ground, without giving way to Aeneas, as he came running to meet (him); and he shouted to his comrades, looking at Ascalaphus, and Aphareus, and Deipyrus, and Meriones, and Antilochus, leaders in the war-cry; and, in order to spur (them) on, he addressed these winged words to them: "Come here, friends, and bring aid to me (who is) alone, for I have a terrible fear of fleet-footed Aeneas charging at (me), and he is coming (now), (he) who is strong enough to kill men in battle; and he also has the flower of youth, which is the (source of) great strength (in a man). For, if we were of the same age, with our feelings as they now are, then he should win a great victory, or I should win (one)."
Ll. 487-525. The followers of Idomeneus and Aeneas continue to do battle with each other.
So he spoke, and they all, having one spirit in their breasts, stood close (to one another), leaning their shields on their shoulders. And Aeneas called out to his companions, looking at Deïphobus, and Paris, and godlike Antenor, (they) who with him were the leaders of the Trojans; and then followed the host, as when sheep follow after a ram to the drinking place from their pasture; and the shepherd is glad at heart; so in the case of Aeneas his heart was glad in his breast, when he saw that the throng of the host had followed him.
And they clashed hand to hand with their long spears over (the body of) Alcathous; and the bronze rang fearfully on their chests as they aimed at one another in the throng, and two men of valour, far above the others, Aeneas and Idomeneus, (men) like Ares, sought to tear each other's flesh with the pitiless bronze. Aeneas hurled his spear at Idomeneus first; but, looking straight (at him), he avoided the bronze spear, and the point of Aeneas' weapon went quivering down into the ground, since it had sprung fruitlessly from his mighty hand. Then, Idomeneus hit Oenomaus in the middle of his belly, and broke the front-piece of his corselet, and the bronze drew forth his entrails; and he fell in the dust and clutched at the earth with the palm (of his hand). And Idomeneus pulled the long shaft of his spear from the corpse, but he still could not strip the rest of the fine armour from his shoulders; for he was sorely pressed by missiles. For the joints of his feet were no longer firm on the ground in the charge, neither when rushing after his own spear-shaft, nor when avoiding (that of another). So, in close fighting he warded off the pitiless day (of doom), but in flight his feet no longer bore (him) swiftly from the fight. And, as he drew back step by step, Deïphobus hurled his shining spear at (him); for he always held an unrelenting grudge against him. But then he missed (him) again, and struck Ascalaphus, son of the Warlike One (i.e. an epithet of Ares); and the mighty spear kept on going through his shoulder; and he fell in the dust and clutched at the earth with the palm (of his hand). But mighty Ares with the loud mouth had not yet learned that his son had fallen in the mighty conflict, but he was seated on the summit of Olympus beneath its golden clouds, confined (there) by the will of Zeus, though other immortal gods were (also) there, debarred from the fighting.
Ll. 526-559. The battle continues, with both sides claiming victims.
Then, they clashed at close quarters over Ascalaphus; Deïphobus tore the shining helmet from Ascalaphus, but Meriones leapt upon (him) like swift Ares and smote his arm with a spear, and the plumed helmet clanged as it fell from his hand to the ground. Then, Meriones leapt forth once more like a vulture and drew the mighty spear from the top of his arm, and fell back into the mass of his companions. His own brother Polites (i.e. both Deïphobus and Polites were sons of Priam and Hecuba) stretched his arms around his waist and led him away from the battle, grim (as it was), until he came to the swift horses that were standing (waiting) for him behind the battle and the fighting with their driver and their richly decorated chariot; they carried him to the city, groaning heavily and sorely distressed; and the blood was running down his newly wounded arm.
And the rest fought on, and an unquenchable war-cry arose. Then, Aeneas sprang upon Aphareus, son of Caletor, who had turned to face him, and struck (him) on the throat with his sharp spear; and his head sank to one side, and his shield and helmet fell on (him), and life-destroying death encompassed him. Antilochus watched Thoön as he turned around, and rushed forward and stabbed (him) and he cut totally through the vein that runs right up his back to reach his neck; he cut away all of it; and he fell on his back in the dust, stretching out both his arms to his close comrades. Then, Antilochus leapt upon (him) and, looking around, he began to take the armour from his shoulders; and the Trojans encircled (him), (and) one after another they struck at his broad glittering shield, but they could not pierce (it) so as to graze the tender flesh of Antilochus with their pitiless bronze; for Poseidon the Earthshaker was protecting the son of Nestor very closely, even amid that welter of darts. For he was never without foes, but turned (and twisted) among them; nor did he wield his spear in a motionless manner, but he ceaselessly shook (it) and twirled (it) around; and he aimed in his mind either to hurl (it) at someone, or to charge in (with it) at close quarters.
Ll. 560-600. Menelaus joins the fight.
But, as he was looking for a target amid the throng, he did not escape the notice of Adamas, son of Asius, who rushed in close and hit the middle of his shield with his sharp bronze; but the dark-haired Poseidon weakened (the force of) his spear and denied him the life (of Antilochus). Half of it stuck there in Antilochus' shield like a charred stake, and the other half fell to the ground. And he shrank back into the mass of his comrades so as to avoid his fate; but Meriones, following (him) as he went, struck (him) with his spear midway between his private parts and his navel, (the place) where Ares is particularly cruel to woeful mortals. There his spear stuck fast; and the other (i.e. Adamas), leaning over the shaft, writhed like a bull that herdsmen, having bound with ropes, are dragging by force against its will; when he was smitten, he writhed for a short time, yet not for very long, till the warrior Meriones came up close and pulled the spear from his flesh; then, darkness covered his eyes.
Then, at close quarters Helenus smote Deipyrus on the temple with a great Thracian sword, and swept the helmet from his head. Struck off, it fell to the ground, and one of the Achaeans gathered (it) up as it rolled between the feet of those fighting; and the darkness of night enveloped his eyes.
Then, grief seized hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaus, good at the war-cry; and he advanced menacingly at the warrior prince Helenus, brandishing his sharp spear; and the other one drew back the string of his bow. And the two of them let fly simultaneously, the one with his sharp spear, the other with an arrow from his bow-string. Then, the son of Priam struck (Menelaus) on the chest with his arrow, on the centre-plate of his corselet, but the bitter arrow flew (glancing) off it. And just as from a broad shovel on a large threshing-floor the black-skinned beans or chick peas leap before the shrill of the wind and the force of the winnower, so from the corselet of glorious Menelaus the bitter arrow glanced completely, and flew afar. But then the son of Atreus, Menelaus, good at the war-cry, struck (Helenus) on the hand, with which he was holding his bow of polished metal; and straight through the hand into the bow the bronze spear was driven. Then, he fell back into the mass of his comrades, avoiding his fate and hanging his hand down by his side; and the ashen spear trailed after (him). Now the great-hearted Agenor drew this from his hand, and he bound it with well-twisted sheep's wool in a sling, which his squire held out for him, the shepherd of the host.
Ll. 601-639. Menelaus slays Peisander.
Then, Peisander went straight for glorious Menelaus; but an evil fate was leading him towards the end of death and to be overcome by you, Menelaus, in grim combat. And when they came into close range, as they advanced against one another, the son of Atreus missed (with his throw) and his spear turned aside, but Peisander pierced glorious Menelaus' shield, but could not drive the bronze right through (it); for his broad shield stopped (it), and the spear broke in its socket; but he felt joy in his heart and hoped for victory. Then, the son of Atreus drew his silver-studded sword and leapt upon Peisander; and beneath his shield he grasped a fine battle-axe, well-wrought in bronze, set on a shaft of olive-wood, long and well-polished; and they set upon one another at the same moment. Now indeed he (i.e. Peisander) hit him on the ridge of his horse-hair plumed helmet, on the top (just) below the crest, and the other one (struck him,) as he was advancing, on the forehead (just) above the base of the nose; and his bones rattled, and both his eye-balls fell, all bloody, on the ground in the dust before his feet, and he doubled up and fell; and the other set his foot on his chest and stripped off his armour, and spoke these words in exultation: "Surely now this is the way you will leave the ships of the Danaans with their swift horses, (you) overbearing Trojans, gluttons (that you are) for the dread din (of battle); nor are you short of other outrages and shameful deeds, like the one you cowardly dogs committed on me, and you have no fear of the crushing wrath of loud-thundering Zeus, (the god) of hospitality, who shall some day destroy your lofty city; (for) you went wantonly (over the sea), bearing my wedded wife and much treasure, since by her you were hospitably treated; now again you are keen to fling consuming fire on the sea-faring ships, and to slay Achaean warriors. But keen as you are, you will somehow be halted from fighting. And in truth, Father Zeus, (men) say that you surpass in wisdom (all) others, men and gods; yet (it is) from you (that) all these (things) are coming. How you favour these outrageous (men), the Trojans, whose might (is) ever reckless, nor can they (ever) have their fill of the din of distressing war. Of all (things), there is a surfeit of sleep and making love, of sweet song and stately dancing; a man would wish to satisfy his desire for those (things) rather than (a desire) for war; but the Trojans are gluttons for battle."
Ll. 640-672. Angered by the death of Harpalion, Paris enters the fray.
So saying, the peerless Menelaus stripped the blood-stained armour from the body and gave (it) to his comrades, and he himself went back again and mingled with the foremost (fighters).
Then, there leapt out at him Harpalion, the son of king Pylaemenes (i.e. the king of the Paphlagonians), who had followed his father to Troy for the fighting, but he did not come back again to his native-land; then he struck the middle of the son of Atreus's shield with his spear at close quarters, but he could not drive the bronze (point) right through (it), and fell back into the throng of his comrades, avoiding his fate, and looking around him in all directions, lest someone should touch his flesh with bronze. But Meriones sent a bronze-tipped arrow at (him) as he went back, and struck (him) on the right buttock; then, the arrow passed right on under the bone (and) into his bladder. And there he sank down into the arms of his comrades and gave up the ghost, and he lay stretched on the ground like a worm; and the dark blood flowed from (him), and soaked the ground. The great-hearted Paphlagonians tended his (body), and, lifting (him) into a chariot, they bore (him) in sorrow to sacred Ilium; and his father went with them, shedding tears, but there was (to be) no recompense for the death of his son.
But, in his heart, Paris waxed mightily wrathful at his killing; for, among the many (men) of the Paphlagonians, he was his guest-friend; and in his anger he let fly a bronze-tipped arrow. There was a certain Euchenor, son of the seer Polyïdus, a rich and noble (man) who lived in his home at Corinth; he climbed aboard his ship, knowing full well (what) his deadly fate (would be); for often the old man, the noble Polyïdus, had told (it) to him, (that is), that he must waste away in his own halls of a dire disease, or, together with the ships of the Achaeans, be brought down by the Trojans; and so he avoided both the heavy fine of the Achaeans (i.e. the penalty for not enrolling in the army going to Troy) and a hateful illness, so he would not suffer pains in his heart. (Paris) smote him under the jaw and the ear; and the life went swiftly from his limbs, and hateful darkness took hold of him.
Ll. 673-722. The Achaeans continue to resist Hector.
So they fought on like burning fire; but Hector, dear to Zeus, had not heard (of this), nor did he know at all that on the left of the ships his men were being cut down by the Argives; and soon glory would be (coming) to the Achaeans.
For so greatly did the Mover and Shaker of the Earth (i.e. Poseidon) spur on the Argives, and he came to their aid with his strength; but (Hector) kept pressing (at the place) where he had first sprung through the gates and the wall, and broken the closely-packed ranks of the Danaan shield-bearers, (even in the place) where the ships of the Aiantes and Protesilaus (i.e. the leader of the Thessalian contingent of Phylace) had been drawn up on the shore of the grey sea; and beyond (them) the wall had been built at its lowest, (and) there the men and their horses were especially ferocious in attack.
There, the Boeotians, and the Ionians with their trailing tunics, and the Locrians, and the Phthians, and the radiant Epeians held back godlike Hector with difficulty as he rushed for their ships like a flame, nor were the pick of the Athenians able to push (him) back away from themselves; and among them Menestheus, son of Peteos, was first, and with him followed Pheidas, and Stichios, and valiant Bias; now, Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion, and Dracius (were in charge of) the Epeians, and Medon and that staunch fighter Podarces (were) at the forefront of the Phthians. For in truth, Medon was the bastard son of godlike Oïleus and the brother of Ajax; but he dwelt in Phylace, away from his native-land, having killed a man (who was) a kinsman of his step-mother Eriopis, whom Oïleus had married; and the other (i.e. Podarces) (was) the son of Iphiclus, son of Phylacus. These, having put on their armour, were fighting together with the Boeotians, in defence of their ships in the forefront of the great-hearted Phthians; and Ajax, the swift son of Oïleus, would no longer take his place away from the side of Ajax, son of Telamon, in any circumstances, not even for a moment, but just as on fallow-land a pair of wine-dark oxen strain at the jointed plough with an equal effort; and around the roots of their horns the sweat oozes forth in streams; the twain alone holds the polished yoke apart, as they strain along the furrow; and (the plough) cuts the headland of the field, so the two of them take their stand very close to one another side by side. But, in very truth, many men, valiant comrades (of his), would follow the son of Telamon, and they would take his shield from him, whenever the toil and sweat reached (down) to his knees. But the Locrians did not follow the great-hearted son of Oïleus; for in their hearts they did not have the will for close combat; for they had no bronze helmets with plumes of bushy horse-hair, nor did they have any rounded shields and ashen spears, but, trusting in bows and (slings of) well-twisted sheep's wool, they followed after (him) to Ilium, (and) then, firing thick and fast with them, they sought to break up the battalions of the Trojans; so then those in the front, with their richly-wrought war-gear, fought with the Trojans and bronze-armoured Hector, and those, shooting in their wake, escaped notice; nor did the Trojans maintain any of their zest for battle; for the arrows utterly confounded (them).
Ll. 723-753. Polydamas gives Hector his advice.
Then would the Trojans have withdrawn in a sorry plight from the ships and huts to windy Troy, if Polydamas had not come up to bold Hector and said: "Hector, you are a difficult (man) to move by words of advice. For as much as God has granted you works of war beyond measure, so too in council you wish to be wise beyond others; but in no way will you be able to take all (things) to yourself at the same time. For to one (man) God has given works of war, and to another the dance, and to yet another the lyre and song, and in the breast of another (man) the far-seeing Zeus has put a good mind, from which many men reap the benefits, and this brings safety to many, as he himself know best. So will I say as seems to me to be best; for all around you there blazes a ring of battle; and since the great-hearted Trojans have gone over the wall, some of them are standing aside with their arms, and others are fighting, fewer (men) against more, scattered among the ships, but you should fall back and call hither all the bravest (men); when we have done that, we should reflect upon our plan overall, whether we should fall upon those ships with their many banks of oars, if God should wish to give (us) victory, or whether we should then return from the ships unharmed. Indeed, for my own part, I fear lest the Achaeans should pay back yesterday's debt, since there abides by the ships a man fixated with war (i.e. Achilles), whom, I think, will no longer keep himself wholly from the battle."
So spake Polydamas and his secure advice was pleasing to Hector, and, at once, he leapt from his chariot to the ground with his armour, and, addressing him, he spoke these winged words: "Polydamas, do you hold back all the best (men) here, but I shall go thither and see about the war; yet I shall come back again quickly, when I have clearly given them my orders."
Ll. 754-787. Paris responds positively to Hector's criticism.
So he spoke, and he set off like a snow-capped mountain, shouting as he sped through (the ranks of) the Trojans and their allies. And they rushed to (join) the manly Polydamas, son of Panthoüs, when they heard Hector's voice. Then he (i.e. Hector) went backwards and forwards through the foremost fighters. looking for Deïphobus and the might of prince Helenus, and Adamas, son of Asius, and Hyrtacus' son, Asius, to see if he might find (them). And he found them no longer entirely unharmed and indestructible. But (two) of them (i.e. Adamas and Asius) were lying at the sterns of the ships of the Achaeans, their lives destroyed at the hands of the Argives, and the other (two) (i.e. Deïphobus and Helenus) were within the wall, smitten or stabbed (by a spear). But he soon found the godlike Alexander, husband of the lovely-haired Helen, encouraging his comrades and urging (them) to fight, and he drew near and addressed (him) with words of shame: "Ill-starred Paris, most fair to look upon, seducer of women, where, I beg you, (is) Deïphobus and the valiant prince Helenus, and Adamas, son of Asius, and Hyrtacus' son, Asius? Now is lofty Ilium wholly plunged into ruin; now is your own sheer destruction certain."
Then, godlike Alexander spoke to him once more: "Hector, since you are minded to blame (someone who is) not at fault, at another time I am likely to have held back from fighting, but not now, since our mother (i.e. Hecuba) did not bear me (as) a total weakling; for from the time when you aroused (the fever of) battle in your comrades beside the ships, from that time we have been here engaging unceasingly with the Danaans; the comrades, whom you ask about, have been slain. Only Deïphobus and the valiant prince Helenus have gone back, both smitten in the arm by long spears; yet the son of Cronos warded off their death. Now lead on to wherever your heart and spirit bid you; and we shall follow after (you) in eager haste, nor do I think we shall be in any way wanting in courage, in as far as the strength is within (us). Beyond his strength (a man) cannot fight, however eager he may be."
Ll. 788-820. Ajax threatens the advancing Trojans.
So speaking, the warrior (i.e. Paris) won over the heart of his brother (i.e. Hector); they proceeded to go where the battle and the din were fiercest, around Cebriones and the peerless Polydamas, Phalces and Orthaeus, and the godlike Polyphetes, Palmys, and Ascanius and Morys, sons of Hippotion, who had come from very fertile Ascania (i.e. a city in Phrygia) as replacements at dawn on the previous (day); and now Zeus aroused (them) to fight. And they came on like the blast of dire winds that swoop to the earth (driven) by the thunder of father Zeus, and with a wondrous noise it mingles with the salt of the sea, and in (it there are) many waves boiling over the loud-sounding sea, arched and foaming white, some in front and others behind. So the Trojans, gleaming with bronze, followed after their leaders, closely fitting together, some in front and others behind. Hector, son of Priam, was at their head, the peer of Ares, the bane of men; and before (him) he held his shield, well-balanced on every side, closely compacted with hides, and much bronze had been driven into (it) (i.e. its top layer was made of bronze); and his shining helmet bobbed up and down around his temples. And around (him) on every side, as he advanced, he was putting the (enemy) battalions to the test; but he could not trouble the heart in the breast of the Achaeans. And long-striding Ajax was the first to challenge him: "Draw near, (you) madman; why do you thus attempt to frighten the Argives? In no way, let me tell you, are we ignorant of battle, but we have been subdued by the evil scourge of Zeus. Now, I suppose that your heart must be hoping to destroy our ships, but forthwith we have the means to defend them. For, in truth, your well-inhabited city is likely to be taken first and sacked beneath our hands. And, as for you yourself, I declare that (the time) is near, when, in flight, you shall pray to father Zeus and the other immortals that your fair-maned horses will be swifter than falcons, as they bear you to the city, raising thick clouds of dust over the plain."
Ll. 821-837. Hector's reply to Ajax.
As he spoke (these words), a bird flew by (him) on the right, a high-flying eagle; and at (that) the host of the Achaeans shouted aloud, heartened by the bird of omen; but glorious Hector retorted: "Ajax, you blustering oaf, what (a thing) you have said! If only I could be the son of aegis-bearing Zeus all my days, and queenly Hera could have brought me into this world, and I were honoured as Athene and Apollo are honoured, so now this day brings doom to the Argives, everyone one of them, and, among them, you (too) shall be slain, if you have the courage to abide my long spear, which will tear your lily-white skin; then, you will glut the dogs and the birds of the Trojans with your fat and your flesh, when you have fallen by the ships of the Achaeans."
So he spoke and led the way; and his (men) followed after (him) with a wondrous noise, and the whole army shouted aloud behind (them). And, on their side, the Argives raised a shout, and did not lose sight of their valour, but awaited the oncoming of the best of the Trojans. And the clamour of both sides went up to the sky and the brightness of Zeus (i.e. the light of the sun).
