HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XX: THE RETURN OF ACHILLES.

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XX: THE RETURN OF ACHILLES. 

Introduction:

After the long preliminaries in Book XIX, Achilles and the Achaeans move into battle. But first there is a scene on Olympus, where Zeus calls an assembly and tells the gods to take sides in the human struggle below. Hera, Athene, Poseidon, Hermes and Hephaestus are on the side of the Achaeans; Ares, Apollo, Artemis, Leto, Aphrodite and Xanthus are supporting the Trojans. Apollo then spurs a reluctant Aeneas against Achilles, but the action is retarded by a long rambling speech by Aeneas, who is then rescued by Poseidon. The 'aristeia' (i.e. the prize-winning gallantry) of Achilles then begins in earnest and he kills fourteen Trojans in quick succession. Among these is Polydorus, the youngest and the favourite son of Priam, and in order to avenge his brother Hector attacks Achilles. His spear cast is blown back by Athene, and Apollo then snatches Hector away in a thick mist. The book ends with Achilles totally in the ascendant.  

Ll. 1-30. Zeus summons the gods and removes his objection to their taking part in the conflict. 

So, by the beaked ships around you, son of Peleus, insatiate of fighting (as you are), the Achaeans armed themselves for battle, and opposite (them) the Trojans did likewise on the rising plain. Meanwhile, from the peak of Olympus with its many valleys, Zeus bade Themis summon the gods to an assembly; and so, backwards and forwards she went in all directions, and commanded (them) to come to the house of Zeus. And so there was no river that did not come except Ocean, nor any of the nymphs that inhabit the fair groves and the springs of the rivers and the grassy meadows. And, coming to the house of cloud-gathering Zeus, they sat themselves down within the polished porticoes, which Hephaestus had built for his father Zeus with a knowing heart.

Thus had they assembled within (the house) of Zeus; nor did the Earthshaker (i.e. Poseidon) fail to pay heed to (the summons of) the goddess, but he came from the sea to join them, and he sat in their midst and inquired into Zeus' plan: "So why have you, the lord of bright lightning, called the gods to the place of assembly? Are you pondering something concerning the Trojans and the Achaeans? For now is their battle and conflict blazing most closely (to us)." 

Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer spoke to him in reply: "Earthshaker, you are aware of the plan in my mind; for the sake of these (warriors) I have called (you) together; they  are of concern to me even as they die, but now I shall stay (here) sitting in a fold of Olympus, and, when I look on, I shall gladden my heart; but the rest (of you) go to be with the Trojans and the Achaeans, and bring help to both (of them), as each of you is so minded. For if Achilles alone fights against the Trojans, they will not withstand the swift-footed son of Peleus, even for a very short time. Even previously they used to tremble when they saw him; and now, when he is terribly angry in his heart on account of his companion (i.e. Patroclus), I fear lest he should exceed his destiny and storm the wall.

Ll. 31-53. The gods join the battle on both sides. 

So spoke the son of Cronos, and he aroused unabating war. And the gods went their way to the battle, having their different intentions. Hera (went) to the assembly of ships, as did Pallas Athene and earth-gathering Poseidon, and Hermes the helper, who excelled in the subtlety of his mind; and Hephaestus went together with them, exulting in his might, lame (he was) but his thin legs moved swiftly beneath (him). But Ares of the flashing helmet (went) to the Trojans, and with him (went) Phoebus with his hair unshorn, and Artemis the archer, and Leto, and Xanthus and laughter-loving Aphrodite. 

Now as long as the gods were afar from mortal men, for so long did the Achaeans win great glory, on account of Achilles having reappeared, and he had long kept way from the grievous fighting. And dread trembling in every limb came over the Trojans, fearful when they beheld the swift-footed son of Peleus gleaming in his armour like Ares, the bane of men. But when the Olympians came into the midst of the throng of men, then uprose mighty Strife, the rouser of armies, and Athene cried aloud, when standing beside the trench dug outside the wall, and at another time she cried out loudly on the resounding seashore. And from the other side Ares, like a black storm-cloud, shouted out, urging on the Trojans in shrill tones from the topmost citadel, and at another time from the banks of the Simois, as he ran towards the (hill) Callicolone.  

Ll. 54-85. The gods oppose each other.

So did the blessed gods urge on both parties to clash together, and whipped up grievous strife among them; then did the father of men and of the gods thunder terribly from on high; and from beneath did Poseidon cause the boundless earth and the lofty peaks of the mountains to shake, and all the foothills and the peaks of many-fountained Ida were shaken, as were the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achaeans. And down below Aïdoneus (i.e. Hades), the lord of the dead, was terrified, and in his fear he leapt from his throne and cried aloud, lest above him Poseidon the Earth-shaker should break up the earth and his abode should be revealed to mortals and immortals, (as) those fearful and dank (places) which the gods themselves abhor; so great (was) the din (that) arose when the gods clashed in strife. For, in truth, against lord Poseidon there stood Phoebus Apollo with his winged arrows, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene (stood) against Enyalius (i.e. Ares); and against Hera there stood the boisterous archer Artemis of the golden distaff, sister of the one who shoots from afar (i.e. Apollo); and against Leto (there stood) the strong helper Hermes, and against Hephaestus the great deep-eddying river, which gods call Xanthus and men Scamander. 

So gods went forth against gods; but Achilles was especially longing to plunge into the throng against Priam's son, Hector; for his spirit especially bid him to sate Ares, the fighter with the bull's-hide shield, with his blood. But Apollo, the rouser (of armies), set Aeneas straight against the son of Peleus, and into him he put great might; and he likened his voice to (that) of Lycaon, son of Priam; in his likeness Apollo, son of Zeus, spoke to him: "Aeneas, counsellor of the Trojans, where (now are) those threats of yours,  which you promised to the princes of Troy, as you drank your wine, to fight against Achilles, son of Peleus?" 

Ll. 86-109.  Apollo urges on the reluctant Aeneas.

Then, Aeneas spoke to him in reply: "Son of Priam, why do you bid me fight the high-spirited son of Peleus, though I do not wish (to do) this? For I shall not now stand against swift-footed Achilles for the first time, but on another occasion he put me to flight from Ida with his spear, when he came upon our cattle, and sacked Lyrnessus (i.e. a city in Dardania, Asia Minor) and Pedasus (i.e. a town in the Troad on the banks of the River Satniois); but Zeus rescued me, and aroused in me strength and nimble knees. I would have been slain for sure at the hands of Achilles and Athene, who set (on him) the light (of deliverance), and bade him slay the Leleges (i.e. aboriginal people of South-west Anatolia) and the Trojans. Therefore, may it not be (the case) that any man should fight face to face with Achilles; for ever by his side (is) one of the gods, who wards off destruction. But, apart from that, his spear flies straight, and does not stop until it has pierced a man's flesh. But if a god were to evenly stretch the issue of war, he would not vanquish me very easily, not even if he professes to be made of bronze."

Then, prince Apollo, son of Zeus, replied to him: "But come (now), warrior, pray you also to the eternal gods; for of you too (men) say that you (i.e. Aeneas) were born of Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, but that he (i.e Achilles) is sprung from a lesser god (i.e. Thetis); for the (former) is a child of Zeus and the (latter) (is sprung) from the old man of the sea (i.e. Nereus). But bear your unyielding bronze straight (at him), and do not let him turn (you) back at all with pitiful words and threats." 

Ll. 110-143. Hera is determined to protect Achilles, and Poseidon wants the gods to avoid the fighting.   

So saying, he breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and he (i.e. Aeneas) strode through the foremost fighters, furnished with a helmet of gleaming bronze. Nor did the son of Anchises escape the notice of white-armed Hera, as he went through the throng of men to face the son of Peleus; and, having brought the gods together, she spoke these words to (them): "Now consider within your minds, Poseidon and Athene, the two of you, how these things are (to happen). Aeneas has come here, helmeted in shining bronze, to face the son of Peleus, and Phoebus Apollo has sent (him) forth. But come (now), let us turn him back from here, or else let one of us then stand beside Achilles and give (him) great strength and suffer not the heart (in his breast) to fail, so that he may know that (those) that love him (are) the best of the immortals, and that (those) who have warded off war and battle from the Trojans hitherto (are) empty as the winds. We have all come down from Olympus to meet face to face in this battle, so that he shall not suffer today at the hands of the Trojans; but thereafter he shall suffer whatever fate spun for him with her thread  at his birth, when his mother bore him. But, if Achilles does not learn of this from a voice of the gods, then he will be afraid when some god comes against (him) in battle; for gods are hard (to face) when they appear in their bodily form.  

Then, Poseidon the Earth-shaker answered her: "Do not be angry beyond what is prudent; there is no need at all for you (to be so). I would not wish that we (i.e. the pro-Greek gods) should drive the other gods (i.e. the pro-Trojan gods) together in conflict, when we are certainly more powerful (than they are); but let us go from the path to a lookout spot and then sit down, and let war be the concern of men. But if Ares or Phoebus Apollo begin the fight, or hold back Achilles and do not let him fight, then the strife of battle will arise from us on the spot forthwith; and I think they will be parted very quickly (from the battle), and back they will go to Olympus to join the company of the other gods, overcome by the force of our hands."

Ll. 144-175. Aeneas and Achilles prepare to do battle.

So saying, the dark-haired god (i.e. Poseidon) led the way to the heaped up wall of godlike Heracles, the high (wall) that the Trojans and Pallas Athene once built, so that he might escape from the monster of the deep and avoid (it), whenever it pursued him from the seashore to the plain. There Poseidon and the other gods (i.e. the pro-Greek gods) sat down, and around their shoulders they covered themselves with a cloud (that could not be) broken; and those on the other side (i.e. the pro-Trojan gods) sat on the brows of Callicolone, and round about (them) went Phoebus and Ares, the sacker of cities.

And so, on both sides, they sat, contemplating their intentions; but both sides shrank from starting a grievous war, albeit Zeus, who sat on high, had bidden (them to do so). And the whole plain was filled with men and horses, and was aflame with bronze; and the earth shook beneath their feet as they rushed together. And by far the two best warriors came together in the midst of both sides, Aeneas, son of Anchises, and godlike Achilles. And Aeneas (was) the first to stride forward in a threatening manner, with his strong helmet nodding (above him); now, his impetuous shield he held in front of his breast, and he brandished a spear of bronze. And from the other side, the son of Peleus rushed against (him) like a ravening lion that the men of a whole village gather together eager to slay; at first he pays (them) no attention but goes on his way, but when one of the hunters, swift in battle, has smitten (him) with a spear cast, he opens his mouth and foam comes forth from around his teeth, and in his heart his valiant spirit groans, and with his tail he lashes both his ribs and his flanks on both sides, and he urges himself on to fight, and, with glaring (eyes), he rushes straight on in his fury, whether he slays one of the men, or he himself is slain in the foremost throng; so his fury and his lordly spirit spurred Achilles on to go forth to face great-hearted Aeneas. 

Ll. 176-198. Achilles and Aeneas exchange  words.

And when, as they advanced, they came close to one another, swift-footed godlike Achilles spoke first to his (adversary): "Why have you come so very far from your throng, Aeneas, to take your stand (against me)? Does your spirit bid you fight with me in the hope of ruling over the horse-taming Trojans in the domain of Priam? But even if you should slay me, Priam will not place the prize in your hands on that account; for he has sons, and he is strong-willed and not inclined to change his mind. Or perhaps the Trojans have marked out a piece of land, pre-eminent above all others, a fair orchard and ploughland, so that you may possess (it) if you should slay me? But I think that (you will find) that hard to do. Before now (there was), I think, a previous occasion when I put you to flight with my spear. Or do you not recall that, when you were (all) alone, I drove (you) rapidly away from your cattle down the slopes of Ida with swift steps? On that day you did not once look behind you as you fled. From there you fled to Lyrnessus; but I sacked it, with Athene and father Zeus following (me) closely, and I led away the women (as) prisoners, and took away their day of freedom; but Zeus and the other gods rescued you. But I do not think they will save you now, as in your heart you imagine; but I urge you to go back into the throng, and not to stand and face me, until some evil should befall (you); for even a fool knows (a thing) when it has happened."      

Ll. 199-241. Aeneas sets out his family lineage.

Then, Aeneas answered him and said: "Son of Peleus, do not think you will frighten me with words, as (if I were) a child, since I myself know full well (how) to deliver insults and taunts. We know each other's pedigree, and we know (each other's) parents, from hearing the stories that mortal men (have) long (told of them); but you have never set eyes on my parents, nor I (on) yours. They say that you are born of peerless Peleus, and from Thetis, your sea-born mother with beautiful locks; whereas I profess that I was born (as) the son of great-hearted Anchises, and that my mother is Aphrodite; now on this day one or other of these (pairs) will be mourning their dear son; for I do not think we shall thus part and leave the battle with these childish words.  

"But. (listen), if you wish to learn of this family of ours, well-known though (it is), and many men know of it: now in the first place, Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanus, and he founded Dardania, when sacred Ilium had not yet been built on the plain (as) a city of mortal men, but they (still) lived on the slopes of Ida with its many springs. Dardanus in turn begat a son, king Erichthonius, who became the richest of mortal men; his three thousand horses grazed in the marsh-meadows, mares (they were), exulting in their tender foals. The North Wind fell in love with them as they grazed, and lay beside them in the form of a dark-maned stallion; and they conceived, and gave birth to, twelve foals. And, when they bounded across the fertile corn-field, they ran over the top of the ears of corn, and did not break (them); and, when they bounded over the broad backs of the sea, they used to run on the top of the breakers of the grey sea. And Erichthonius begat Tros, king of the Trojans; and then again three peerless sons were born to Tros, (namely) Ilus, and Assaracus and godlike Ganymedes, who was the most beautiful of mortal men; now, the gods carried him off (to be) Zeus' cup-bearer on account of his beauty, so that he might live with the immortals. And then again Ilus begat a son, the peerless Laomedon; and then Laomedon begat Tithonus, and Priam, and Lampus, and Clytius and Hicetaon, the scion of Ares; and Assaracus begat sons, Capys and Anchises; now, Anchises is my father, and Priam fathered godlike Hector. So this I declare is my lineage and my blood.    

Ll. 242-272. Achilles and Aeneas meet in battle; Aeneas' spear is blocked by the golden layer in Achilles' shield.  

"Now, Zeus increases and diminishes the courage in men, just as he wishes; for he is the mightiest of all. But come let us say these childish (things) no longer, as the two of us are standing in the midst of a deadly struggle. For it is possible for us both to utter insults, but not even a hundred-benched sailing ship could bear the weight. For glib is the tongue of mortals, and therein the words (are) many and various, and the range of words is wide on this side and on that one. And whatever words you may say, such words you may hear. But what need is there for us to bandy quarrelsome (words) and insults against one another like women, who, having been provoked by a heart-eating squabble, have gone out into the middle of the street to shout abuse at each other in a torrent of words, true and false; for anger bids (them say the false ones) also. Eager (as I am) for battle, you will not deter me with words, until we have fought (it) out face to face with bronze; but come, let us forthwith give one another the taste of our bronze-tipped spears."   

So he (i.e. Aeneas) spoke, and he drove his mighty spear into (Achilles') dread and awesome shield; and loudly rang the shield around the spear point.And the son of Peleus, being seized with dread, held his shield away from his (body) with his stout hand; for he thought that the long-shafted spear of great-hearted Aeneas would easily pierce through (it), fool (that he was); for he did not know in his mind and heart that it was not easy for mortal men to overcome or to avoid the glorious gifts of the gods. Nor did the mighty spear of bold Aeneas then break through his shield; for the gold, the gift of the god, stopped (it); although it had driven through two layers, yet there were still three (more), since the lame god (i.e. Hephaestus) had welded five layers, two of bronze, two within of tin, and one of gold, by which the ashen spar was halted.

Ll. 273-308. Poseidon plans to rescue Aeneas. 

Then, in his turn, Achilles hurled his long-shafted spear and smote Aeneas' shield, rounded (as it was) on every side, on the edge of the rim, where the bronze ran thinnest and the ox-hide backing was thinnest; and the spear of Pelian ash (i.e. from ash trees on Mount Pelion) shot right through (it), and the shield rang beneath it. Aeneas crouched, and in his fear held his shield above him; and the spear flew over his back and stuck in the ground, but it had ripped open both layers of his covering shield; and, having avoided the long spear, he stood up, and an immeasurable pain flooded over his eyes in his horror that the missile had come so close to him. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and leapt eagerly upon (him), shouting fearfully; then Aeneas grasped a boulder in his hand, a great feat, as it was one that two men could not bear, such as mortal men now are; yet he wielded it easily on his own. Then, as he (i.e. Achilles) rushed upon him, Aeneas would have struck (him) with the stone on his helmet or his shield, which would have saved him from a mournful death, but the son of Peleus would have robbed him of his life at close range with his sword, if Poseidon the Earth-shaker had not quickly seen (what was happening). And forthwith he spoke these words among the immortal gods: "Alas, I feel sorrow for great-hearted Aeneas, who will soon go down to Hades, overcome by the son of Peleus, having been persuaded by the promptings of Apollo the far-shooter, fool (that he was), nor will he (i.e. Apollo) in any way ward off from him woeful death. But why now should he, an innocent (man), suffer woes in vain on account of others' troubles, while he always gives pleasing gifts to the gods who hold broad heaven? But come, let us rescue him from death, lest perhaps the son of Cronos should also be angry, if Achilles should slay him; for he is ordained to escape, so that the race of Dardanus should not perish without seed, and be seen no more, (of Dadanus) whom the son of Cronos loved above all the children born to him from mortal women. For by now has the son of Cronos come to hate the race of Priam; and now indeed shall the mighty Aeneas be king of the Trojans, and (so shall) the sons of his children, who shall be born in the time to come."    

Ll. 309-339. Having rescued Aeneas, Poseidon warns him not to fight with Achilles.

Then, ox-eyed queenly Hera replied to him: "Earth-shaker, you yourself must decide in your own mind about Aeneas, whether you will rescue him, or whether you will let (him) be overpowered by Achilles, son of Peleus, brave though he is. For, in truth, we two, Pallas Athene and I, have sworn many oaths in the midst of all the immortals that we shall never ward off the evil day from the Trojans, not even when the whole of Troy shall be ablaze, burned by consuming fire, and the warrior sons of the Achaeans are burning (it)."

Now, when Poseidon the Earth-shaker heard this, he went his way amid the battle and the throng of spears, and came (to the place) where Aeneas was, and the glorious Achilles. Then, forthwith, he shed a mist over the eyes of Achilles, son of Peleus, and he drew the ashen spear, well shod with bronze, from the shield of great-hearted Aeneas; and he laid it before the feet of Achilles, and he lifted Aeneas up off the ground and raised (him) aloft. And, as he (i.e. Aeneas) darted from the hand of the god, he sprang over many ranks of warriors and many chariots, and he came to the verge of the furious battle, where the Caucones (i.e. an Anatolian tribe, who were allies of the Trojans) were arming themselves for battle. Then, Poseidon the Earth-shaker came very close to his (side), and, in addressing him, he spoke these winged words: "Which one of the gods bids you to fight thus recklessly against the high-spirited son of Peleus, who is a better (man) than you and dearer to the immortals? But you must go back whenever you are thrown together with him, lest you should enter the house of Hades before your fated time. But, when Achilles has met his death and doom, then have the courage to fight among the foremost; for no one else among the Achaeans shall slay you."  

Ll. 340-372. Achilles and Hector urge on the warriors in their respective armies. 

So saying, he (i.e. Poseidon) left (him) there, when he had told (him) everything. Then, he quickly dispersed the wondrous mist from the eyes of Achilles; and then he (i.e. Achilles) stared hard with his eyes, and, sorely vexed, he spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "Oh, in truth, this is a great wonder I am seeing with my eyes; this spear of mine is lying on the ground, but I cannot see at all the man, at whom I cast (it) in my eagerness to kill (him). So it is clear that Aeneas was also beloved by the immortal gods; whereas I thought that he was boasting in so vain a manner. Let him go on his way; he will not have the heart to try me again, now that he is glad to have escaped from death. But come, let me bid the war-loving Danaans to go forth against the other Trojans to put (them) to the test."  

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke, and he leapt back into the ranks and urged on every man: "Now, (you) godlike Achaeans, no longer do you stand far apart from the Trojans, but come, let man go forth against man and be eager to fight. Hard it is for me, mighty though I may be, to go against so many men and fight (them) all; not even Ares, immortal god though he is, nor even Athene, could face the jaws (i.e. make a frontal assault) of so great a battle and labour on; but as much as I can do with my hands and feet and with my strength, I do not think I shall be at all slack, not even a whit, but straight through the lines shall I go, and I do not think that any Trojan who comes near my spear shall be glad (of it)." 

So he spoke, urging (them) on; and glorious Hector called to the Trojans with a shout, and said that he would go forth against Achilles: "(You) high-spirited men of Troy, do not be afraid of the son of Peleus. With words I could even fight the immortals, but with a spear (it would be) hard, since they are surely mightier by far. Not even Achilles shall bring all the things that he says to fulfilment, but some he will fulfil, and others he will leave incomplete. But I will go forth against him, even if his hands are like fire, his hands are like fire (that is), and his strength (is like) molten iron."

Ll. 373-418. Achilles attacks the Trojans.

So he (i.e. Hector) spoke, urging (them) on, and the Trojans raised their spears as they faced (the foe); and they were joined together in their fury, and up went the battle-cry. Then, Phoebus Apollo drew near to Hector and said: "You are no longer to challenge Achilles in any circumstances, but you are to  await (him) in the throng and in the din of battle, lest he may strike you with a spear-cast or close at hand with his sword."

So he spoke, and Hector fell back again into the throng of warriors, seized with fear when he heard the voice of the god speaking. Then, Achilles, clothed in his heart with courage, leapt upon the Trojans, shouting fearfully, and in the first place he slew Iphition, the noble son of Otrynteus, (and) leader of many people, whom a water-nymph bore to Otrynteus, sacker of cities, beneath snowy Tmolus (i.e. a mountain in Maeonia with Sardis at its foot) and the rich land of Hyde (i.e. a Maeonian city lying in the valley of the river Hermus). And, as he rushed straight at him, godlike Achilles smote him with his spear in the middle of his head; and it was cloven wholly asunder, and he crashed heavily as he fell, and the godlike Achilles spoke (over him) in triumph: "(There) you lie, son of Otrynteus, most dreaded of all men; here (is the place of) your death, though you were born by the Gygaean lake (i.e. the Maeonian lake of the nymph Gyge, possibly the mother of Iphition), where is your family's land by Hyllus (i.e. a northern tributary of the River Hermus), teeming with fish, and the swirling waters of the Hermus."

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke in triumph, and darkness covered the eyes of the other (i.e. Iphition). Now the chariots of the Achaeans tore him in pieces with their wheel-rims in the fore-front of the fray, and over him he struck Demoleon, a brave battle-warden (and) the son of Antenor, on the temple through his bronze-cheeked helmet. Nor did his bronze helmet check (it). but through it went the spear-point and smashed  the bone, and all of his brain was scattered inside (it); and he overpowered him, as he was pressing forward. And then, when Hippodamas (i.e. a son of Priam) had jumped down from his chariot and was fleeing before him, he stabbed (him) in the back with his spear; now he gasped out his life and he bellowed, just as a bull  that is dragged bellows when young men drag (him) around (the altar) of the lord of Helice (i.e. an ancient city on the Gulf of Corinth, that was a sanctuary of Poseidon); and the Earth-shaker delights in them; so he (i.e. Hippodamas) bellowed as his lordly spirit left his bones; but he (i.e. Achilles) went with his spear after godlike Polydorus, son of Priam. But his father did not allow him to fight at all, because he was born the youngest among his children, and by him he was the most beloved, and he surpassed with all with his feet, and now in his childish folly he proclaimed his fleetness of foot, and he was rushing through the foremost fighters, until he lost his life. Swift-footed godlike Achilles smote him with his spear in the middle of his back as he darted past, when the golden clasps of his belt were joined and his corselet was composed of a double layer; and the point of his spear went right through by his navel, and he dropped on his knees with a cry, and a dark cloud enveloped him, and he clutched his entrails to himself with his hands as he sank.

Ll. 419-454. Apollo rescues Hector.

But, when Hector saw his brother Polydorus clasping his entrails in his hand and sinking to earth, then a mist spread down over his eyes; so he could not bear to keep himself at a distance any longer, but went against Achilles, brandishing his sharp spear like a flame; but Achilles, when he saw (him), sprang up thus, and spoke these words in triumph: "Near (to me is) the man, who has especially touched my heart, for (he it was) who slew the companion (whom I) honoured; no longer will we shrink from one another between the lines of battle."  

So he spoke, and, looking (at him) with a scowl, he spoke to godlike Hector: "Come closer (now), so that you can meet your end (which is) death the sooner." 

But Hector of the flashing helmet addressed him without fear: "Son of Peleus, do not think you can frighten me with words as if I were a child, since I myself know clearly also (how) to issue insults and slighting words. And I know that you (are) valiant, and that I (am) much inferior to you. But, in truth, these (matters) lie on the knees of the gods, whether I, though weaker than you, can take the life from you with a cast of my spear, since my weapon too  has proved sharp in the past."  

So he spoke, and setting his spear in motion, he let (it) fly, but Athene with her breath turned it back from glorious Achilles, though breathing very faintly (as she did so); and back it came to godlike Hector and fell in front of his feet. But Achilles sprang at (him) eagerly, wanting to kill (him), and shouting fearfully. But Apollo snatched him away very easily, as he was a god, and wrapped (him) in thick mist. Three times then did swift-footed godlike Achilles charge in with his bronze spear, and three times did he smite the thick mist. But, when he rushed upon him for the fourth time like a god, then, shouting terribly, he uttered these winged words: "Now then (you) dog, you have escaped from death; but, verily, your bane came close; now once more has Phoebus Apollo saved you; you probably pray to him when you go towards the thud of spears. Surely now I shall finish you off the next time we meet, if perhaps some god may likewise be a helpmate to me. But now I shall attack the others, whomever I shall light upon."    

Ll. 455-489. Achilles kills one Trojan after another. 

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke, and he struck Dryops full in the neck with his spear; and down he fell before his feet; but (there) he let him (lie), and he halted the approach of Demuchus, Philetor's brave and tall son, striking (him) upon the knee with his spear. Then, smiting him with his great sword, he took away his life. Then, he set upon Laogonus and Dardanus, the (two) sons of Bias, and he knocked both (of them) out of their chariot on to the ground, smiting one with his spear and striking the other with his sword at close quarters. Then Tros, the son of Alastor, - he came right up to his knees (to see) if perhaps he would spare (him) and take (him) captive and send (him) forth alive, and not slay him but take pity on someone of the same age, fool (that he was), nor did he know that he was not open to persuasion; for the man was not at all soft-hearted, nor was he of a kindly disposition, but (he was) quite determined to press on; now, he sought to clasp his knees in his hands, intent (as he was) in begging for mercy, but he stabbed (him) in the liver with his sword; and out slipped his liver, so the black blood (pouring) from it filled his lap; and darkness covered his eyes as he was deprived of his life; then he stood beside Mulius and stabbed (him) in the ear with his spear; then, he struck Echeclus, son of Agenor, full on the head with his hilted sword, and the whole blade grew warm with his blood; and dark death and mighty fate came over his eyes. And then he pierced Deucalion with his bronze spear-point through his arm at the point where the tendons come together at the elbow, and he awaited (him) with his arm hanging down, beholding his death before (him); then, he struck (him) on the neck with his sword and sent his head and its helmet (flying) into the distance; and the marrow spurted out from his spine, and he lay (there) stretched on the ground. Then he went after Rhigmus, the peerless son of Peiros, (he) who had come from fertile Thrace; he hit him in the middle with his spear, and the bronze was fixed in his belly, and he fell from his chariot; then, as his squire Areïthous (was) turning back the horses, he stabbed (him) in the back with his sharp spear, and knocked him from the chariot; and the horses bolted.  

Ll. 490-503. The ground is covered with the blood of the Trojans whom Achilles has killed. 

As a furious fire rages through the deep valleys of a parched mountainside, and the deep forest burns, and the wind, driving (it) on, whirls the flames about in all directions, so he (i.e. Achilles) rushed everywhere with his spear like some god, driving (men) on and killing (them); and the black earth ran with blood. And, as when a man yokes together male and broad-fronted oxen to tread white barley on a well-made threshing-floor, and (the grains) are swiftly husked beneath the feet of the loud-bellowing bulls, so beneath great-hearted Achilles his single-hooved horses trampled alike on corpses and shields; and all of the axle beneath and the rails around the chariot were bespattered with blood, which fell upon them in drops from the horses' hooves and from the rims of the wheels; but the son of Peleus went on to win glory, and he besmeared his invincible hands with gore.

 

 

  

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XIX: ACHILLES AND AGAMEMNON ARE RECONCILED.

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XIX: ACHILLES AND AGAMEMNON ARE RECONCILED. 

Introduction:

After the three long days of fighting, which have encompassed Books XI-XVIII, Book XIX sees the dawn of a new day.  At the beginning of the book, Thetis comes to Achilles, bringing him the armour which Hephaestus has made for him. Achilles wishes to go straight into battle, but Odysseus insists that the soldiers must eat first, and that he and Agamemnon must first be comprehensively and publicly reconciled. Then, the gifts which were promised in the Embassy to Achilles in Book IX are then handed over, including the return of the girl  Briseïs, who breaks into a moving lament, when she perceives the body of Patroclus. The Book ends with a vivid description of Achilles arming himself for battle, and the prophecy of the horse Xanthus, to whom Hera has temporarily imparted the power of speech, that Achilles is destined to die in battle.  

Ll. 1-36. Thetis brings Achilles the armour made by Hephaestus.

Now, saffron-robed Dawn arose from the streams of Ocean, to bring light to immortals and mortal men; and she (i.e. Thetis) came to the ships bearing the gifts of the god. And she found her beloved son (i.e. Achilles) weeping loudly as he clasped (the body of) Patroclus; and many of his companions were mourning around him; and she stood in their midst, and she took his hand and spoke these words and addressed (him): "My child, we must let this (man) lie, despite our grief, since now in the first place he has been slain by the will of the gods; but do you (now) receive this glorious armour, so very fine such as no man has ever worn on his shoulders."

So speaking, the goddess laid down the armour in front of Achilles, and all that cunningly-wrought (metal-work) clashed loudly. Then, trembling took hold of all the Myrmidons, and no one dared to look full at (it), but they fled away. But, when Achilles saw (it), then anger came upon him all the more, and his eyes blazed forth dreadfully from beneath their lids like flame; and he delighted in holding the glorious gifts of the god in his hands. But, when he had gladdened his heart in gazing at these cunningly-wrought (works), forthwith he spoke these winged words to his mother: "My mother, the arms the god has given (me) are works such as befit immortals, and no mortal man could have made (them). Now indeed I shall arm myself for battle; but I am sorely afraid lest in the meantime before my eyes flies should creep into his bronze-inflicted wounds and breed worms and desecrate his body, for life has gone from (it), and all its flesh may rot."

Then, the silver-footed goddess Thetis answered him: "My child, do not be concerned in your heart about these (things). From him, I will undertake to ward off the cruel swarms of flies that feed on (the bodies of) men killed in war; for even if he shall lie (here) for the full course of a year, his flesh shall always be sound (as it is now) or even better. But do you call the Achaean warriors to the place of assembly and renounce your wrath against Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, and arm yourself immediately for battle, and don your fighting spirit."  

Ll. 37-73. Achilles ends his quarrel with Agamemnon.

So saying, she implanted fearless strength in (him), and then she slipped ambrosia and red nectar into Patroclus down through his nostrils. so that his flesh would be sound. 

Meanwhile, the godlike Achilles strode along the shore of the sea, shouting fearfully, and he aroused the Achaean warriors. And even (those) that formerly used to abide in the gathering of the ships, the pilots, and those who were in charge of the ships' rudders, and the stewards, (who) were the dispensers of food on board the ships, even these now came to the place of assembly, because Achilles had reappeared, for he had been absent for so long from the grievous fighting. Then, two squires of Ares came limping along, the son of Tydeus (i.e. Diomedes), staunch in battle, and godlike Odysseus, leaning on their spears; for their wounds still caused (them) pain; and they came and sat down at the front of the assembly. Now, last (of all) came Agamemnon, king of men, bearing a wound; for Coön, son of Antenor, had wounded him with his bronze-tipped spear. Then, when all the Achaeans were gathered together, swift-footed Achilles stood up and spoke to them: "Son of Atreus, as it now appears, was this (strife) really better for the two of us, for you and for me, when with grief in our hearts we raged in soul-eating strife, on that day when I destroyed Lyrnessus and took (her). Then, all those Achaean (men) would not have sunk their teeth in the unspeakably great earth at the hands of their enemies, as I persevered in my wrath. For Hector and the Trojans that (was) better; yet I think the Achaeans will long remember the strife between me and you. But now let these (things) be over and done with, despite our pain, curbing the hearts in our breasts through necessity; and now, in truth, I cease my wrath, nor indeed do I need to be raging so stubbornly all the time; but come, do you rouse the long-haired Achaeans speedily to  battle, so that I may go forth against the Trojans and put (them) to the test once more, (to see) whether they will wish to spend the night by our ships; but I think that some of them (will be) glad to bend the knee (in rest), whoever shall escape the fury of war and my spear. 

Ll. 74-113. Agamemnon refers to Ate.

So he spoke, and the well-greaved Achaeans were delighted that the great-hearted son of Peleus had renounced his wrath. Then, Agamemnon, king of men, also spoke, from the spot where he was sitting, and not standing in their midst: "My friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, when (a man) is standing (to speak, it is) right to listen, and it is not right to interrupt (him); for that is hard, even for (one who) is an experienced (speaker). But in the midst of a great uproar how should any man hear or speak? Then is he hampered, clear-voiced speaker though he be. To the son of Peleus I shall speak my mind; but do you other Argives pay attention and mark well my words, each one (of you). Often have the Achaeans said these words to me and chided me; but I am not to blame, but (rather) Zeus, and Fate, and the Fury that walks in darkness, for they implanted a cruel delusion in my mind on that day when I myself took away Achilles's prize (i.e. the maid Briseïs). But what could I do? (It is) God (who) brings all (things) to fulfilment. (It is) Ate, the eldest daughter of Zeus, who deludes (us) all, accursed (though she is); and her feet (are) delicate; for she does not touch the ground, but she walks over the heads of men, bringing harm to mankind, and so she constrains one or other (of the disputants). For she once even blinded Zeus, even (he) who is said to be the greatest of men and gods; but Hera, female though she is, even tricked him with her cunning on the day when Alcmene was about to give birth to the mighty Heracles in well-turreted Thebes. Now indeed, he (i.e. Zeus) spoke assertively to all of the gods: 'Listen to me, all (you) gods and all (you) goddesses, so that I may say the (things that) the heart in my breast bids me. Today. Eileithyia, (the goddess) of birth-pangs will reveal to the light a man who will rule over all those (who) dwell around (him, that is) of those men who are of the race of my blood.' Then, queenly Hera spoke to him with a deceitful intention: 'You will prove to be a liar, nor will you bring what you say to fufilment.  But, come now, Olympian, swear a solemn oath to me, that, in very truth, that (man) shall be lord of all those who dwell around (him), who on this day shall fall between a woman's feet, (that is) even one of those men who are of the blood of your stock.' So she spoke; now Zeus was quite unaware of her cunning, but he swore a great oath, and in so doing he was sorely misled.

Ll. 114-153. Agamemnon offers to compensate Achilles with gifts.

"Then, Hera darted down and left the peak of Olympus, and came swiftly to Achaean Argos, where she knew of the strong wife (i.e. Nicippe) of Sthenelus, son of Perseus. Now, she was pregnant with her son, and the seventh month had come; and she brought (the child) forward to the light, and he was before his time, and she forestalled Alcmene's childbirth, and stopped Eileithyia (from bringing on her pains). And she herself brought the news to Zeus, son of Cronos, and said: Father Zeus, who flashes bright lightning, I shall put some words in your mind: today there was born a valiant man, who shall be lord of the Argives, (namely) Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, son of Perseus, of your stock; (so it is) not unmeet for him to rule the Argives.' So she spoke, and a sharp pain struck him deeply in the heart; and, forthwith, full of wrath in his heart, he seized hold of Ate by her brightly-tressed head, and he swore a great oath that never again should Ate, who deludes everyone, come to Olympus and the starry heaven. Speaking thus, he whirled (her) in his hand and flung (her) from the starry heaven; and she came quickly to the tilled fields of men. And he would always groan at the thought of her, whenever he beheld his dear son (i.e. Heracles) labouring at unseemly tasks, by reason of the trials of Eurystheus. In my case also, when mighty Hector of the shining helmet kept killing Argives by the sterns of their ships, I could not forget Ate, by whom I was deluded in the first place. But, since I was deluded, and Zeus stole my wits, now do I wish to make amends and to offer reparations without limit. But (now) do you prepare for battle and rouse the rest of our people. But I am ready to offer all of those gifts which godlike Odysseus promised yesterday when he came to your hut. Or, if you wish, abide here for a while, eager though (you are) for war, and my attendants will take the gifts from my ship and bring (them) to you, so you can see what agreeable (things) I will be giving you."

Then, swift-footed Achilles answered him and said: "Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, it is up to you whether you wish to give (them) as is fitting, or to keep (them). But now let us think straightaway of the joys of battle; for we ought not to be here plotting idly, nor wasting time; for (there is) great work still unaccomplished; so may one again behold Achilles amid the foremost, destroying the ranks of the Trojans with his bronze spear. May each one of you be mindful of this, as you are fighting your man."       

Ll. 154-183. Odysseus gives his advice. 

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "Brave (man) though you are, godlike Achilles, do not thus urge the sons of the Achaeans (to go) against Ilium to fight the Trojans while they are not eating, since the battle will not last for a short time once the ranks of men have met in battle and god breathes strength into both sides. But do you tell the Achaeans to consume food and wine by the swift ships; for therein lies their strength and their courage. For no man can fight face-to-face (with the enemy) all day long till the setting of the sun while fasting from food; for though in his heart he may be eager to fight, yet his limbs wax heavy unawares, and thirst comes over (him), and hunger too, and his knees grow weary as he goes. But the man who (is) full of wine and food shall fight all day long against the foemen, and now his heart in his chest is full of confidence, and his limbs do not grow weary at all, until everyone withdraws from battle. But come, dismiss the host and tell (them) to prepare the meal; and let Agamemnon, king of men, bring forward the gifts into the midst of the place of gathering, so that all the Achaeans may behold (them) with their eyes, and you can find delight in your heart. And let him rise up among the Argives and swear an oath to you that he never got into her (i.e. Briseïs') bed and had intercourse with (her), as is the way, (O) king, between men and women; and in your own (case) too, the heart in your breast will be gracious. And then he should make amends to you by a rich feast in his hut, in order that you should not at all be lacking in justice. And you, son of Atreus, will then be more righteous to others also. For it is in no way a source of blame that a king should make amends to a man, when he was the first to grow angry."     

Ll. 184-214. Achilles wishes to avenge the death of Patroclus before any feasting and receipt of gifts occur.

Then, Agamemnon, king of men, spoke to him again: "Glad am I, son of Laertes, to hear your words, for you have gone through everything in the case, and set things in order. And I am willing to swear this (oath), and my heart urges me (to do so), nor shall I swear falsely before god. But let Achilles remain here in the meantime, eager though (he is) for battle; and may all the rest of you stay here together, until the gifts can come from my hut and I can ratify the sacred oath (with a sacrifice). And upon you yourself (i.e. Odysseus) I am laying this (charge) and commandment: choose the best young men of all the Achaeans, and fetch all the gifts from my ship that we promised yesterday to give to Achilles, and bring the women (too). And may Talthybius (i.e. Agamemnon's herald) be quick to prepare a boar in the broad camp of the Achaeans for sacrifice to Zeus and the Sun."

Then, swift-footed Achilles said to him in response: "Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, it ought to be better to do this work at another time, when some pause occurs in the fighting, and there is not so much fury in my heart. Now those whom Hector, son of Priam, killed, when Zeus gave him the power, lie here mangled, and you (two) are urging (us) to (think of) food. I would definitely order the sons of the Achaeans to fight now, unfed (and) fasting, and, when the sun sets, to make ready a large meal, when we have atoned for our disgrace. But, before that, neither food nor drink shall go down my throat, when my comrade (is) dead and he lies in my hut rent by sharp bronze, with (his feet) pointing towards the door (i.e. the traditional position for a body awaiting burial), and around (him) his companions are mourning; therefore, these (things) are not matters of concern to my heart, but (rather is the thought of) slaughter, and blood, and men's grievous groaning." 

Ll. 215-237. With regard to the need for the men to eat, Odysseus over-rules Achilles.

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "O Achilles, son of Peleus, by far the greatest of the Achaeans, (you are) a greater (man) than I, and not a little stronger with the spear, but in counsel I would (claim to) surpass you by far, since I was born before (you) and have more knowledge. Therefore, let your heart hearken carefully to my words. Men quickly have a surfeit of battle, when the bronze (blade) strews the most straw (i.e. the bodies of dead men) on the ground, but there is little harvest, when Zeus, who has been made the dispenser of battle for men, has inclined his balance (i.e. has decided which side shall win). For it should not be that the Achaeans should mourn a corpse with the belly; for very many are falling in heaps every day; when would a man (ever) find respite from toil? But we need to bury him who is dead, hardening our hearts and shedding tears for a day; and those of us who survive the hateful fighting, must take thought for food and drink, so that we may fight the enemy warriors ever relentlessly, our bodies clad in stubborn bronze. But none of our people should hold back from accepting the summons to battle; for the summons (is) this: it will be hard (for any man) who shall be left behind by the ships of the Argives; but let us attack in full strength and arouse keen battle against the horse-taming Trojans."  

Ll. 238-275. The Achaeans sacrifice to the gods. 

So he spoke, and he took (with him) the sons of glorious Nestor (i.e. Antilochus and Thrasymedes), and Meges, son of Phyleus, and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lycomedes, son of Creon, and Melanippus; and they made their way to the hut of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Then, straightway the word was (said), and the deed was done; and they bore the seven tripods, which he had promised him, from the hut, and twenty gleaming cauldrons and twelve horses; and speedily did they lead forth seven women skilled in excellent handicraft, and the fair-cheeked Briseïs (as) the eighth (one). Then, Odysseus, having weighed out ten talents of gold in all, led (the way), and with him other young men of the Achaeans bore gifts. These then they set in the midst of the place of gathering, and Agamemnon arose; and Talthybius, like a god with regard to his voice, stood beside the shepherd of the host, holding a boar in his hands. Then, the son of Atreus drew forth in his hands the large knife, that always hung beside the great sheath of his sword, and, beginning the sacrifice (by cutting) hairs from the boar, he raised his hands to Zeus and prayed; and all the Argives sat in silence in their places, duly hearkening to the king. And, looking up to the wide heaven he spoke in prayer: "May Zeus, the highest and best of the gods, be my first witness, then Earth and Sun and the Erinyes (i.e. the Furies), that punish men under the earth, when anyone of them has sworn a false oath, that I never laid hands on the girl Briseïs, neither on account of wanting (to go) to bed (with her), nor for any other reason. But she remained untouched in my hut. Now, if any of these (things is) falsely sworn, may the gods heap on me a great multitude of woes, such as they are wont to give to any man who sins against (them) when he swears."      

So he spoke, and he cut the boar's throat with the pitiless bronze. And Talthybius whirled around and cast it into the great depths of the grey sea (as) food for the fishes; but Achilles stood up and addressed the war-loving Argives: "You surely do inflict great blindness upon men; for otherwise you never would have (so) utterly aroused the fury in my breast, nor would he have led off the girl (so) inexplicably against my will; but maybe Zeus wished for the death of (so) many Achaeans to happen. But now, go to your meal, so that we can join together in battle." 

Ll. 276-308. Briseïs mourns the death of Patroclus.

So he spoke, and dismissed the quickly called assembly. Then they dispersed, each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took charge of the gifts, and, bearing (them), they made their way to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they placed them in the huts, and settled the women (in them), and the proud squires drove the horses to (join) the herd. 

But then, Briseïs, (she who) resembled golden Aphrodite, when she saw Patroclus cloven by the sharp bronze, flung herself around him and shrieked loudly, and she tore with her hands at her breasts, and her tender throat, and her beautiful face. Then, the woman, (who was) like unto the gods, cried out in lament (for him): "Patroclus, most pleasing to my hapless heart, (you were) alive when I went away from the hut and left you, and now I find you dead, (you) leader of the hosts; thus evil after evil ever awaits me. My husband, to whom my father (i.e. Briseus) and my queenly mother gave me, I beheld cloven by the sharp bronze in front of our city, and my three brothers, whom my own mother bore, beloved (as they were), they all incurred their day of doom. When swift Achilles killed my husband, and sacked the city of godlike Mynes, you would not even suffer me to weep, but you said you would make me the wedded wife of godlike Achilles, and that he (i.e. Achilles) would take me in his ships to Phthia, and celebrate his marriage-feast among the Myrmidons. And so, I bewail your death incessantly, kind (as you) always (were)."   

So she spoke while she lamented, and the women let out groans on account of Patroclus, and they each had sorrows of their own. Now the elders gathered around him (i.e. Achilles), beseeching (him) to eat; but, groaning, he refused: "I beseech (you), if any of my dear comrades will hearken unto me, do not now urge me to satisfy my appetite with food and drink, since this grievous pain has come upon me; till set of sun, I will abide and endure at any rate."

Ll. 309-348. Achilles continues to grieve for Patroclus.

So he spoke, and he sent the other chiefs away, but the two sons of Atreus remained, and so did the godlike Odysseus, Nestor and Idomeneus, and the old charioteer Phoenix, (who was) trying to comfort him as he sorrowed greatly, but in no way could he be comforted in his heart, until he sunk into the jaws of bloody battle. And, as he thought (of him), he heaved a heavy sigh, and said: "So now in truth, you too, (O) hapless (one), the dearest of my companions, you yourself would once have laid out before me a pleasing meal in my hut quickly and readily, whenever the Achaeans were eager to bring tearful war upon the horse-taming Trojans. But now you lie (there) mangled, and my heart goes without meat and drink, here (though) they are, out of my longing for you; for I could not suffer anything worse, not even if I should hear of the death of my father, who I think must now be letting soft tears drop in Phthia for want of such a son (as me); and I am waging war in a foreign land with the Trojans for the sake of spine-chilling Helen; nor even (of the death of) him who is being brought up for me in Scyros (i.e. an island in the central Aegean, off the coast of Euboea), my dear son, the godlike Neoptolemus, if indeed he still lives. For until now the heart in my breast had cause to hope that I alone should perish away from horse-grazing Argos (i.e. Thessaly) here in (the land of) Troy, but that you should return to Phthia, so that you might take my son from Scyros in your swift back ship and show him everything (of mine), my property, my slaves, and my great high-roofed house. For by now I presume that Peleus is either altogether dead, or perhaps he is still just living, but is sorely distressed by hateful old age, and is always awaiting sad news of me, when he shall learn of my death." 

So he spoke lamenting, and with (him) groaned the elders, each one (of them) remembering (the things) he had left behind in his home, and, as they grieved, the son of Cronos saw them and took pity on (them), and forthwith he spoke winged words to Athene: "My child, you have utterly deserted that noble man. In truth now, is Achilles no longer of concern to your mind at all? He is sitting (there) in front of his horned ships, grieving for his dear companion; now, the others have gone to their meal, but he (is) fasting and (is) without food. But go you and shed nectar and lovely ambrosia into his breast, so that (the pangs of) hunger do not come upon him."  

Ll. 349-386. Achilles arms himself for battle.  

So speaking, he urged on Athene, (who was) eager already; and she, like a bird of prey (i.e. probably a falcon) swooped down from heaven through the upper air. Now, the Achaeans were speedily arraying themselves for battle throughout the camp; then, she (i.e. Athene) shed nectar and lovely ambrosia into the breast of Achilles, so that the grim (pangs of) hunger should not come upon his limbs; then, she went back to the strongly-built house of her mighty father, and they (i.e. the Achaeans) poured forth from their swift ships. Now, as when Zeus' snowflakes fly thick, born cold in the sky under the blast of the north wind, so thick then (were) the bright-shining helmets being carried from the ships, and the bossed shields, and the strong-plated corselets and ashen spears. Then, sunlight struck the sky, and all the earth smiled around (them) beneath the gleam of bronze; and a din went up from beneath their feet; and in their midst godlike Achilles arrayed himself for battle. And there was a gnashing of his teeth, and then his eyes glowed like the light of a fire, and insufferable pain sunk into his heart; and then, in his rage against the Trojans, he donned the gifts of the god, (the things) which Hephaestus had worked (so) hard to make for him. First he placed the greaves around his legs, beautiful (they were) (and) fitted with silver ankle-pieces; and next he put the corselet around his chest. And about his shoulders he slung his silver-studded sword of bronze; and then he took hold of his great and sturdy shield, and light came from it like the moon's. And as when from the sea there appeared to seamen the light of a blazing fire, and it burns high in the mountains in a lonely farmstead; but the storm-winds are not with them but carry them over the fish-filled sea away from their loved ones; so from the beautiful and richly-wrought shield of Achilles a gleam went up into the sky; and he lifted up the massive helmet and set (it) on his head; and the helmet with its plume of horse-hair shone like a star, and the golden hairs which Hephaestus had set thickly around the crest, shimmered around (it). Then, godlike Achilles tried himself out in his armour, (to see) if it fitted him and (if) his splendid limbs moved freely in (it); and it became like wings to him, and raised up the shepherd of the host.  

Ll. 387-424. The horse Xanthus prophesies Achilles' death. 

Then, he drew from its casing his father's spear, heavy, huge and sturdy (it was); no other Achaean could brandish it, but Achilles only knew how to wield it, (that spear) of Pelian ash from the peak of (Mount) Pelion, which Chiron (i.e. the Centaur) gave to his beloved father (i.e. Peleus) to be the death of warriors; Automedon and Alcimus went about the yoking of the horses; and they set breast-bands around (them) and cast the bits between their jaws, and drew the reins back tightly into the chariot. Then, Automedon took the bright lash that fitted well in his hands, and leapt up on to the chariot; and behind (him) went Achilles, armed for battle, gleaming in his armour like the gleaming sun Hyperion, and he called out to his horses in a terrible voice: "Xanthus and Balios, famous foals of Podarge: "Now (let it be) different, and mind that you bring back your charioteer safely to the mass of the Danaans, when we have had enough of battle, and not as you left Patroclus (lying) there dead (on the field)."

Xanthus, the horse with the nimble feet, replied to him from beneath the yoke, and at once he bowed his head, and all his mane streamed downwards from the collar beside the yoke and reached the ground; for the white-armed goddess Hera had made (him) speak: "Yes, this time we shall still bring you back very safely, mighty Achilles; but for you the day of doom (is) near; we shall not be responsible (for this), let me tell you, but a great god and strong Fate (will be). For (it was) not through any slowness or laziness of ours that the Trojans were (able to) strip the armour from the shoulders of Patroclus; but (one of) the greatest of the gods, (he) whom fair-haired Leto bore (i.e. Apollo), slew (him) amid the foremost fighters and gave the glory to Hector. For we two (i.e. Xanthus and Balios) would race together with the blast of the west wind, which (men) say is the swiftest (of all things); but it is your own fate to be forcibly brought down by a god and a man (i.e. Apollo and Paris)." 

Then, when he had said these things, the Erinyes (i.e. the Furies) checked his voice. Greatly vexed, swift-footed Achilles answered him: "Xanthus, why do you prophesy my death? There is no need at all for you (to do so). Now, I myself know well that (it is) my fate to perish here, far from my beloved father (i.e. Peleus) and my mother (i.e. Thetis); but even so, I shall not cease until I have driven the Trojans to their fill of war."

So he spoke, and with a shout he drove his single-hooved horses amid the foremost.

 

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVIII: THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVIII: THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES. 

Introduction:

This book, which is especially memorable for its graphic description of the designs, which Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and carpenters, makes on the shield which he designs for Achilles at the request of his mother Thetis, is also significant because it sees the end of the long third day of fighting, which begins as far back as Book XI - see l. 242 - after Nestor's son, Antiochus has brought the sad news of Patroclus' death to Achilles, and Thetis has come from the sea to try to console Achilles. When night falls the Trojans meet in assembly (see ll. 242-314), and one of their leaders, Polydamas, wisely counsels that they should return to the safety of their city, but Priam's son Hector strongly disagrees and insists that they continue the fight to try to capture the Achaean ships, and his view prevails. Meanwhile, Achilles promises to avenge Patroclus by killing Hector, even though he knows this will bring about his own early death (ll. 314-367). During the night Thetis goes to Olympus and persuades Hephaestus to make a new suit of armour and shield for Achilles, as Hector has carried off the armour that he lent to Patroclus, and is wearing it himself (see ll. 368-461). The rest of the book is largely taken up with a lengthy and detailed description of the designs on the shield, and the three circles, which are lodged between the central boss and the outer rim, feature a microcosm of human life and activity (ll. 490-606).  

Ll. 1-21. Antilochus tells Achilles that Patroclus is dead. 

So they fought on like blazing fire, and the swift-footed Antilochus came with the news to Achilles. And he found him in front of his ships with their upright horns, contemplating in his heart those things which had now come to pass; and, sorely troubled (as he was), he then spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "O woe is me, why then are the long-haired Achaeans being driven back again over the plain in terror to the ships? May the gods not bring to pass, as I fear they may, those grievous woes to my heart, even as my mother once revealed, when she said to me that, while I was still living, the best of the Myrmidons would leave the light of the sun beneath the hands of the Trojans. For sure, the valiant son of Menoetius must now be dead - foolhardy (as he was)! And yet I bade him come back to the ships, once the enemy's fire had been pushed back, and not fight bravely with Hector."

While he pondered these (things) in his mind and in his heart, the son of noble Nestor (i.e. Antilochus) came up close to him, shedding hot tears, and gave (him) the painful message: "Woe is me, (you) son of the warrior Peleus, now indeed you must hear grievous tidings (of something) that ought never to have happened. Patroclus lies (dead), and now they are fighting over his naked corpse; and Hector of the shining helmet has your armour."  

Ll. 22-64. Thetis and the Nereids join Achilles in his sorrow. 

So he spoke, and a black cloud of grief enveloped him (i.e. Achilles); and, taking up the sooty dust in both of his hands, he strewed (it) over his head, and soiled his handsome face; and the black ashes settled upon his sweet-smelling tunic. And he, himself, lay outstretched in the dust, mighty in his mightiness, and he defiled his hair, as he tore at (it) with his hands. And the handmaids that Achilles and Patroclus had seized as booty, shrieked aloud in anguish of heart, and they ran outside around the warrior Achilles, and they all beat their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each one of them were loosed beneath (her). And on the other side Antilochus wailed and shed tears, as he held the hands of Achilles, as he (i.e. Achilles) let out a groan from his noble heart; for he (i.e. Antilochus) feared that he might cut his throat with a knife. Then he (i.e. Achilles) gave a terrible cry, and his queenly mother (i.e. Thetis) heard (him) as she sat in the sea beside the old man, her father (i.e. Nereus), and then she wailed aloud at once; and the goddesses gathered around her, all (of them) daughters of Nereus, who were (there) in the depths of the sea. There were Glauce, and Thaleia, and Cymodoce, Nesaea, and Speio, and Thoë, and ox-eyed Halië, and Cymothoë, and Actaea, and Limnoreia, and Melite, and Iaera, and Amphithoë, and Agaue, and Doto, and Proto, and Pherousa, and Dynamene, and Dexamene, and Amphinome, and Callaneira, and Doris, and Panope, and the renowned Galateia, and Nemertes, and Apseudes, and Callianassa; and then there were Clymene, Ianeira, and Ianassa, and Maera, and Oreithia, and Amatheia with the lovely hair, and the other daughters of Nereus, who were (there) in the depths of the sea. And the shining-white cavern was filled with them; and they all beat their breasts together, and Thetis took the lead in the laments: "Listen, sister Nereids, so you can all well hear and know the sorrows that (are) in my heart. Woe is me, wretched as I am, woe is me, mother of the noblest son, since I bore a son, both noble and strong, (and) pre-eminent among warriors; and he shot up like a sapling; and, having tended him like a tree in a fruitful orchard, I sent him forth in the beaked ships to Ilium to fight the Trojans; but I shall never welcome him once more to the house of Peleus on his return home. Yet, while he lives (here) with me and sees the light of the sun, he is suffering, and I cannot give him any help when I go (to him). But go I shall, so that I may hear my dear son and hear what grief has come to him, while he holds aloof from the fighting." 

Ll. 65-96. Achilles tells Thetis of his grief at the death of Patroclus.

So saying, she left the cavern; and they (i.e. the Nereids) went with her in tears, and the waves of the sea burst around them; and, when they came to the very fertile (land of) Troy, they went, one after another, on to the beach, where the ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up closely around swift Achilles. His queenly mother stood beside him, groaning heavily (as he was), and, with a shrill cry, she took up his head (in her arms) and spoke these winged words to him as she wailed: "My son, why are you weeping? What grief has come upon your heart? Speak out and do not hide (it)! The things you wanted have been brought to pass by Zeus, as you once prayed with outstretched hands that all of the sons of the Achaeans should be confined on the sterns (of their ships), desperately in need of you, and suffering cruel things."

Then, groaning heavily, swift-footed Achilles answered her: "My mother, the Olympian has certainly done these (things) for me; but what pleasure do I (derive) from them, when my dear comrade Patroclus is dead, (he) whom I valued above all my companions (and) equally with my own life? Him have I lost, and Hector, (who) slew (him), has stripped from (him) that fine, that mighty armour, a wonder to behold; the gods gave it (as) a glorious gift to Peleus on the day when they laid you in the bed of a mortal man. If only you had remained there with the immortal (goddesses) of the sea, and Peleus had wed a mortal wife. But in fact (they made you the wife of a mortal), so that you too would have the infinite grief of losing a son, whom you may never welcome home again as he returns, since my heart does not bid me live on, nor abide among men, unless Hector is first struck by my spear and shall lose his life, and repay (me) for the plundering of Patroclus, son of Menoetius."  

Then, shedding tears, Thetis spoke to him once more: "Then, my child, (if) you say such (things), you will die early; for straightway after Hector is your own doom at hand." 

Ll. 97-126. Achilles resolves to return to battle and kill Hector. 

Then, deeply moved, the swift-footed Achilles spoke to her: "May I die straightaway, since I was not, it seems, destined to bring succour to my comrade when he was slain; for he died very far from his native-land, and he had need of me to protect (him) from destruction. And now, since I shall not be returning to my dear native-land, nor have I proved to be any light of deliverance to Patroclus or to any other of his companions, many of whom have been overpowered by godlike Hector, but I have sat (here) by the ships, a useless burden upon the land, (I who) am (one) such as no one (else) among the bronze-clad Achaeans (is) in war, although there are others (who are) better in council, so may strife perish among gods and men, and the anger that causes even wise (men) to become ill-tempered, and that (is) much sweeter (to men) than trickling honey, and swells in the breasts of men like smoke; so has Agamemnon, king of men, now moved me to wrath. But we should let these (things) be, despite our pain, forcing down the anger in our hearts; but now I shall go to find Hector, the killer of my dear comrade; and I shall now accept my fate, whenever Zeus and the other immortal gods should wish to bring (it) about. For neither did even the mighty Heracles escape death, even though he was most dear to the lord Zeus, son of Cronos, but fate and the dreaded wrath of Hera overcame him; so also shall I, if the same fate is in store for me, lie low when I am dead; but now let me win glorious renown, and cause some deep-bosomed Trojan and Dardanian (women) to wipe with both hands the tears from their tender cheeks and to groan loudly, and let (them) know that I have kept away from the fighting for far too long (i.e. for sixteen days in fact). And do not (try to) hold me back from the fighting, even though you love me; for you will not persuade me." 

Ll. 127-147. Thetis promises to arrange fresh armour for Achilles. 

Then did the silver-footed goddess Thetis answer him: "Yes indeed. my child, for it is truly no bad (thing) to save your hard-pressed companions from utter destruction. But your fine armour is held among the Trojans, gleaming in bronze (as it is); Hector of the shining helmet exults as he wears it himself on his shoulders; but I do not think he will have pride in it for long, as his death is close at hand. But yet you must not enter into the fray of war, until you see me before your eyes returning here; for in the morning I shall return at the rising of the sun, bearing fine armour from lord Hephaestus."

So saying, she turned away from her son, and turning her attention to her sister of the sea (i.e. the Nereids) she said to (them): "Do you now plunge into the broad lap of the ocean, in order that you may behold the old man of the sea (i.e. Nereus)  and our father's house, and tell him everything; and I shall go to lofty Olympus, to Hephaestus, the master-craftsman, (to see) if he will be willing to give my son some glorious bright-shining armour."

So she spoke, and, at once, they plunged beneath the swell of the sea; and then the goddess, silver-footed Thetis made her way to Olympus, in order to bring back glorious armour for her dear son.    

Ll. 148-180. Hera tells Achilles to show himself to the Trojans. 

Her feet bore her to Olympus; but the Achaeans, amid fearful shouting, (were) driven in flight by man-slaying Hector, and came to the ships and the Hellespont. Yet, the well-greaved Achaeans could not drag back the corpse of Achilles' squire Patroclus out of range of the missiles; for then again did the host and the chariots catch up with it, as did Hector, the son of Priam, like a flame in his fury. Three times did glorious Hector seize him by the feet from behind, yearning to drag (him) away, and loudly did he call upon the Trojans; three times did the two Aiantes, clad in fighting spirit, drive (him) away from the corpse by force; but he, trusting firmly in his own strength, sometimes charged into the fray, and sometimes stood his ground, shouting loudly; but he would not go backwards at all. And, just as rural shepherds cannot in any way drive a tawny lion away from a carcass when it is very hungry, so the two warrior Aiantes could not scare Priam's son Hector away from the corpse. And now he would have dragged (it) away and won unspeakable glory, if swift Iris, with her feet as quick as the wind, had not come running from Olympus with a message for the son of Peleus, unbeknown to Zeus and the other gods,  that he should arm himself; for Hera had sent her. And she drew nigh, and spoke these winged words to (him): "Arise, son of Peleus, the most dreaded of all men; come to the aid of Patroclus, for whose sake a dreadful battle is taking place in front of the ships, and they are killing each other, some (i.e. the Achaeans) fighting in defence of the dead body, and the Trojans are longing to drag (it) to windy Ilium; and glorious Hector is especially keen to drag (him) away; and his heart bids him to cut the head from the tender neck and fix (it) on the stakes of the palisade. But up (you get) and do not lie (there) any longer! And let a feeling of awe come over your heart that Patroclus should become a plaything of the Trojan dogs; the shame (will be) yours if the corpse should come (to be) at all disfigured."    

Ll. 181-218. The voice of Achilles terrifies the Trojans.

Then did the swift-footed godlike Achilles answer her: "Now, goddess Iris, which one of the gods sent you to me as a messenger?"

Then did swift Iris, with her feet as quick as the wind, speak to him again: "Hera, the glorious wife of Zeus, sent me forth; and the son of Cronos, who sits on high, knows nothing (of this), neither (do) any other of the immortals who dwell upon snow-capped Olympus."

Then, swift-footed Achilles spoke to her in reply: "So how am I to enter the fray? For those yonder have my armour; and my dear mother does not allow me to arm myself, until I behold her (here) before my eyes on her return; for she promised to bring me some beautiful armour from Hephaestus. And I know no one else whose glorious armour I might don, except the shield of Telamonian Ajax. But he, himself, I imagine, is consorting with the front ranks, slashing away with his spear beside the dead Patroclus. 

Then swift Iris, with her feet as quick as the wind, spoke to him again: "Well do we also know that they are holding your glorious armour, but go to the trench just as you are, and show yourself to the Trojans, so that, in their fear of you, the Trojans may desist from fighting, and the warrior sons of the Achaeans may gain some relief, weary (as they are); for (there is) little respite in war."

When she had spoken thus, the swift-footed Iris departed, but Achilles, beloved of Zeus, got up, and Athene flung her tasselled aegis around his mighty shoulders, and that most divine of goddesses put a golden cloud around his head, and from it there burned a bright-shining flame. And, as when smoke goes up from a city and reaches the sky from an island in the distance, which their enemies are attacking, the (inhabitants) contend with hateful Ares all day long from their own city; but, when the sun sets, the throng of beacons blazes forth, and the glare shoots up for their neighbours to see, in the hope that they might come (across) in their ships to protect (them) from destruction; such (was) the light (that) blazed up into the sky from the head of Achilles; then, he went from the wall to the trench, and took his stand, but he did not attach himself to the Achaeans; for he had regard to his mother's wise behest. There he stood and shouted, and aside from (him) Pallas Athene raised her voice; but among the Trojans (his voice) caused an unspeakable tumult. 

Ll. 219-242. The Achaeans recover the body of Patroclus.

As when the voice of a trumpet sounds out loud and clear when a city is surrounded by murderous enemies, so clear then was the voice of the grandson of Aeacus (i.e. Achilles). And so, when they heard the brazen voice of the grandson of Aeacus, the hearts of all (of them) shook with fear; even the fair-maned horses turned their chariots back; for they foresaw pain in their hearts. And the charioteers were stricken with fear, when they saw the tireless fire blazing fearfully over the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene made it blaze, Thrice did the godlike Achilles shout loudly over the trench, and thrice were the Trojans and their renowned allies thrown into panic. And there and then did twelve of their best men perish amid their own chariots and spears. But the Achaeans gladly drew Patroclus out of the range of the missiles and laid (him) on a bier; and his beloved comrades  thronged around (him) weeping; and swift-footed Achilles followed after them, shedding hot tears, as he saw his trusty comrade lying on a litter, cloven asunder by sharp bronze. In truth had he sent him to war with horses and chariots, but never did he welcome (him) back again on his return. 

Then, ox-eyed queenly Hera sent the tireless sun reluctantly on his way to the stream of Ocean; so set the sun, and the godlike Achaeans could desist from the mighty strife and evenly balanced warfare. 

Ll. 243-283. The Trojan assembly.

And, on the other side, the Trojans, when they returned from the fierce conflict, loosed their swift horses from beneath their carriages, and gathered together in their assembly before they saw to their supper. And the assembly was held (with them) rightly standing up, and no one was minded to sit; for trembling had come upon all (of them), because Achilles had shown himself, although he had held himself aloof from the fighting for a long time. Then among them wise Polydamas, the son of Panthoüs, was the first to speak, for he alone had eyes for the future and the past; and he was a comrade of Hector, and on the same night were they born, but the former was much the better at speech, and the latter with the spear; then, he addressed them with good intentions: "Think very carefully about (our situation), my friends; now I for my part bid (you) go now to the city, and not await bright dawn on the plain beside the ships; for we are far from the wall. As long as this man (i.e. Achilles) maintained his anger against godlike Agamemnon, so too were the Achaeans easier to fight with; for I too was glad to spend the night by the swift ships, in the hope that we should take those ships, rowed on both sides (as they are). But now do I terribly fear the swift-footed son of Peleus; so violent (is) his spirit that he will not wish to abide on the plain, where in its centre Trojans and Achaeans share in the might of Ares, but he will fight for our city and our wives. But let us go the city, and do you put your trust in me; for it will be as I say; immortal night has now halted the swift-footed son of Peleus; but if tomorrow he comes upon us while we are here, and rushes at (us) with his armed strength, then many a man shall know him well; for gladly will he reach sacred Ilium, whoever escapes (that is), and dogs and vultures will feed on many of the Trojans; if only such words could be far from my hearing. But, if we hearken to my words, despite our distress, we shall keep out forces in the place of assembly during the night, and the walls and the lofty gateways, and the long well-planed closely-shut doors that fit on them, will protect the city. Then early tomorrow morning, arrayed in our armour, we shall take our stand on the walls; and the worse (it will be) for him, if he should be minded to come from the ships and fight with us around the wall. Back again to the ships shall he go, when he has exhausted his horses on all sorts of running trips, while driving (them) to and fro beneath the battlements; but his heart will not allow him to force his way into the city, nor ever shall he lay (it) waste; before (that happens) the swift-(footed) dogs will devour him." 

Ll. 284-323. The lamentation for Patroclus. 

Then, Hector of the shining helmet looked at him with a scowl and said: "Polydamas, these (things) you are saying (are) not at all pleasing to me, since you are telling (us) to go back and be cooped up within the city. In truth, have you not yet had your fill of being confined within those walls. For, in the past, all men endowed with speech used to talk of Priam's city as rich in gold (and) rich in bronze. But now these fine treasures have utterly vanished from our houses, and many of those possessions have now gone to Phrygia and lovely Maeonia to be sold, since Zeus's great anger has fallen upon (us). But now, when the son of wily-minded Cronos has granted me (the power) to win glory by the ships, and to confine the Achaeans to the sea, now is not the time to disclose these thoughts among the people; for not one of the Trojans will be persuaded (by you); for I shall not permit (it). But come, let us all be persuaded (to do) as I say. And you should take your supper among the companies throughout the army, and remember to keep watch, and every (man) must stay awake. But whoever among the Trojans is exceedingly concerned about his possessions, let him gather (them) up and give (them) to the people to make use of; it is better that they should should partake of them than the Achaeans. But early in the morning, arrayed in our armour, let us engage in sharp warfare by the hollow ships. But, if (it is) true (that) godlike Achilles is standing beside the ships, the worse will it be for him if he wants (to fight); I will not flee from him on account of the horrors of warfare, but I will stand firmly against him, whether he shall win a great victory, or I shall win (one). The God of War (is) common (to us all), and he (often) slays (the one) who would slay."   

So Hector addressed (them), and the Trojans roared in approval, the fools (that they were); for Pallas Athene had taken their wits away from them. For they applauded Hector for his bad planning, and not one of them praised Polydamas, who had given them good counsel. Then, they took supper throughout the host; but the Achaeans wept and loudly lamented Patroclus all night long. Now, the son of Peleus led their loud lament, laying his man-slaying hands upon the breast of his companion, groaning most incessantly like a well-bearded lion, whose cubs some stag-hunting man has stolen away from the thick wood; and, when he comes back later, he is full of anguish, and he ranges through many of the mountain glens, looking for the man's footprints, in the hope that he should discover his whereabouts; for the most bitter fury takes hold of (him); thus, groaning heavily, did he (i.e. Achilles) speak to the Myrmidons:  

Ll. 324-359. Achilles promises to avenge Patroclus.

"Alas, how idle were those words I let fall on that day, when I sought to console the warrior Menoetius in our palace (i.e. the palace of Peleus in Phthia); for I said to him that I would bring his son back to Epois (i.e. the city in Locris, that was the home of Menoetius and Patroclus) in glory, after he had sacked Ilium and been allotted his share of the spoil. But Zeus does not bring about all (the things that are) planned by men; for both (of us) are fated to redden the same (stretch of) earth here in Troy, since neither the old charioteer Peleus nor my mother Thetis will welcome me in his palace on my return, but the earth in this place will hold (me) fast. But now, Patroclus, since I shall be going under the earth later than you, I shall not bury you with due honours until I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, your great-hearted slayer; and I shall cut the throats of twelve splendid Trojan children before your pyre, in my wrath at your slaying. Until then, you will lie as you are, beside my beaked ships, and around you deep-breasted Trojan and Dardanian (women) will grieve and shed tears (for you) night and day, (the ones) that we ourselves laboured to win with all our strength and our long spears as we sacked the rich cities of mortal men."

So speaking, godlike Achilles bade his comrades set a mighty cauldron over the fire, so that they might wash the bloody gore from Patroclus. And for the purpose of bath-water they placed a cauldron over the burning fire, and poured water into (it), and they took firewood, which they kindled beneath (it). And the fire encompassed the belly of the cauldron, and the water grew hot, and, when the water boiled in the gleaming bronze, then they washed (him) and anointed (him) richly with oil, and filled his wounds with a seasoned ointment; and they laid (him) on a bier, and covered (him) with fine linen from head to foot, and with a white cloak on top. Then, the Myrmidons (gathered) around swift-footed Achilles all night long, lamenting Patroclus with groans; and Zeus spoke to Hera, his sister and wife (as follows): "So you have brought it about, ox-eyed queenly Hera, you have stirred swift-footed Achilles into action; so it must now be true, that the long-haired Achaeans are born from your very self."      

Ll. 360-387. Thetis comes to the house of Hephaestus to seek his help. 

And then did ox-eyed queenly Hera answer him: "Dread son of Cronos, what a statement you have made! Surely now, I presume, a man is likely to do what he wants to a fellow-man, one that is but mortal and does not know everything that I do; how then ought not I, whom I believe to be the best of the goddesses on two accounts, both by birth and because I am called your wife, and you are king of all the immortals, (how then ought not I) to contrive troubles for the Trojans, when I bear a grudge against (them)?" 

So did they say such (things) to each other; but silver-footed Thetis came to the house of Hephaestus, imperishable, star-decked, and pre-eminent among the immortals for its bronze, which the crook-footed (god) himself had built. There she found him bustling to and fro around his bellows, sweating with his exertion; for he was making tripods, twenty in all, to stand around the wall of his well-built mansion, and he had placed golden wheels beneath the base of each one, so that, at his wish, they might enter the meeting-place of the gods, and return again to his house, a wonder to behold. Now, they had almost reached completion, but the skilfully wrought handles were not yet attached; these he was making, and forging the rivets. And, while he was working at these (things) with his knowing mind, so the silver-footed goddess Thetis came close to him. Then, the fair Charis (i.e. Grace), with her bright headband, came forth and saw her, (she) to whom the famous lame (god) was married; and she clasped her by the hand, and spoke these words to her and addressed her by name: "Wherefore, Thetis of the flowing robe, have you come to our house, honoured and beloved (as you are)? Before now, you have not visited us at all often. But follow (me) further inside, so that I may set hospitable (things) before you."   

Ll. 388-427. Hephaestus asks Thetis what it is she wants from him-. 

So saying, that most divine of goddesses (i.e. Charis) led (her) onwards. Then, she sat her down on a silver-studded chair, beautiful and cunningly-wrought (it was); and beneath it was a stool for her feet. Then, she called out to Hephaestus, the famous craftsman, and said these words (to him); "Hephaestus, do come here! Thetis is now in some need of you." Then, the famous lame (god) answered her: "So now in truth, a goddess, revered and honoured by me, (is) in (my hall); she (it was who) saved me, when she came upon me in pain, when I fell a long way at the will of my shameless mother (i.e. Hera) who wanted to hide me away because I was crippled; then would I have suffered woes in my heart, if Eurynome and Thetis had not welcomed me to their bosoms; Eurynome (is) the daughter of the backward-flowing Ocean. (I lived) with them for nine years, and crafted many cunning works of copper in their hollow cave - brooches, and bent pins, and ear-rings, and necklaces; and around (me) there flowed the unspeakably great stream of Ocean, seething with foam; no one else knew (of me), neither among the gods, nor among mortal men, but Thetis and Eurynome knew, (the ones) that saved me. Now she comes to our house; therefore, (there is) a great need for me to repay lovely-haired Thetis for saving my life. But do you now set before her some fine gifts for guests, while I put away my bellows and all my tools."

He spoke, and from the anvil arose a mighty monster limping, and his slender legs moved swiftly beneath him. He placed the bellows away from the fire, and gathered all his tools into a silver chest; and  he wiped both sides of his face and both his hands, and his sturdy neck and his shaggy chest with a sponge, and he put on a tunic, and grasped a stout staff, and went forth limping; and handmaids made of gold moved swiftly in support of their lord, like living maidens. 

And they have understanding in their minds, and in (them there is) also speech and strength, and they have knowledge of handiwork from the immortal gods. And they bustled about at the side of their master; but he (came) close to where Thetis (was), and sat down on a shining chair, and he put his hand in hers and spoke these words and addressed (her) by name: "Wherefore, Thetis of the flowing robe, have you come to our house, honoured and beloved (as you are)? Before now, you have not visited us at all often. Speak whatever is in your mind; and my heart bids (me) undertake (it), if I can do it, and if it can be accomplished."

Ll. 428-461. Thetis asks Hephaestus to provide Achilles with another suit of armour.

Then, Thetis answered him while shedding tears: "Hephaestus, is there any one of all the goddesses on Olympus, who has endured so many grievous woes in her heart, as these sorrows which Zeus has given me beyond all others? Out of (all) the daughters of the sea he would subject me alone to a man, and I endured the bed of a mortal, Peleus, the son of Aeacus, though very much against my will. Now, he lies in his halls, worn out with grievous old age, but now other (griefs are) mine, since he (i.e. Zeus) gave me a son to bear and to rear, (who is) pre-eminent among warriors; and he shot up like a sapling; and, having tended him like a tree in a fruitful orchard, I sent him forth in the beaked ships to Ilium to fight the Trojans; but I shall never welcome him once more to the house of Peleus on his return home. Yet, while he lives (here) with me and sees the light of the sun, he is suffering, and I cannot give him any help when I go (to him). The maiden, whom the sons of the Achaeans chose as a gift of honour for him (i.e. Briseïs), the lord Agamemnon took her back from out of his arms. In truth, he was pining in his heart with grief for her; but the Trojans were penning the Achaeans into the sterns (of their ships), nor would they let (them) break out; and the elders of the Argives pleaded with him, and gave the names of the many glorious gifts (they would give him). Then, while he refused to ward off their ruin himself, yet he clad Patroclus in his own armour and sent him to war, and a considerable force to go with (him). And they fought all day around the Scaean gates; and they would have sacked the city on that very day, if Apollo had not slain the courageous son of Menoetius amid the foremost fighters, after he had caused much havoc, and given the glory to Hector. Therefore, I have now come to these knees of yours, (to see) if you are willing to give my son, who is facing an early death, a shield, and a helmet, and a fine (pair of) greaves fitted with ankle guards, and a breastplate; for his trusted comrade lost (the armour) which he had, when he was overcome by the Trojans; now he (i.e. Achilles) lies on the ground in anguish of heart."  

Ll. 462-489. Hephaestus forges a shield for Achilles, and begins to decorate it. 

Then, the famous lame (god) answered her: "Be of good cheer! Do not let these (things) cause you anxiety in your heart. Would that I were as able to hide him far away from hateful death, when dread fate shall come upon him, as (I am to ensure) that fine armour will be made for him, such that anyone of the many men who may see (it) in the future will marvel at (it)." 

So saying, he left her there, and went to his bellows; and he turned them towards the fire and bade (them) get to work. And the bellows, twenty (pairs) in all, blew upon the melting pots, sending out strong blasts of every degree (of force), at one time to help (him) as he laboured hard, and, at another time, in whatever way Hephaestus might wish to complete his work. And on the fire he threw stubborn bronze and tin, and precious gold and silver, and then he placed a great anvil on the anvil-block, and he took hold of a mighty hammer in (one) hand, and grasped a pair of tongs in the other. 

Then, he began to make a big and sturdy shield, skilfully wrought all over, and he set a rim of triple thickness around (it), bright (and) gleaming, and from (it he let fall) a silver strap. And there were five folds of the shield itself, and on it he wrought many curious devices, (stemming) from the knowledge in his mind.   

And on it he wrought the earth, and the sky and the sea, and the unwearied sun and the moon at the full, and on (it he wrought) all the constellations with which heaven is crowned, the Pleiades and the Hyades, and the mighty Orion and the Bear, which (men) also call by the name of the Wain, and she circles around in the same place and watches out for Orion, and is alone in not sharing in the baths of the Ocean (i.e. the Homeric Greeks believed that the constellation Ursa Major never set).      

Ll. 490-526. Hephaestus decorates the shield with illustrations of city life. 

And on (it) he modelled two fine cities of mortal men. And in the one there were marriages and feasts, and they were escorting the brides from their bed-chambers through the city beneath the light of blazing torches, and loud rose the wedding song; and the young men were whirling around in the dance, and among them flutes and lyres kept up their sound, and the women stood, each at her doorway, and gazed in wonder. But crowds of men were in the place of assembly; and there there was a quarrel taking place, and two men were quarrelling over the blood-money for a man who had been killed; one claimed that he had made payment in full, and was telling this to the people, but the other denied that he had received anything; and both were eager that a decision should be taken by an arbitrator. And folk were cheering the two of them on, and shouting their support for (them) both. But heralds held the people back; and the elders sat on the polished stones in the sacred circle, and held in their hands the sceptres (they had received) from the loud-voiced heralds; with these they sprang up and gave their judgment in turn. And two talents of gold lay in their midst, to be given to the one who among them should utter the most correct judgment.   

Around the other city, two divisions of warriors had been sitting in their shining armour; and two views found favour with them, whether to  destroy (it) completely, or to divide in two all the property which the lovely city contained within (it); but they (i.e. the townspeople) were not yet ready to comply, and had secretly armed themselves for an ambush. Now, their dear wives and little children were defending the wall they were placed upon, and among them (were) the men, whom old age had overtaken; and they (i.e. the men of the city) were setting out; and Ares and Pallas Athene were leading them, both (shown) in gold and clad in golden garments, and huge and beautiful in their armour, and yet as gods they were standing out apart (from the others); and the men were somewhat smaller. And, when at length they came (to the place) where it was possible for them to lie in ambush, down by a river, where there was a watering-place for all the cattle, then there they took up their positions, covered with shining bronze. Then, two scouts were stationed by them some distance apart from the host, to wait until they caught sight of the sheep and the crumpled-horned cattle. And soon they came forward, and two herdsmen followed after (them), playing on their pipes; and they foresaw no danger at all.       

Ll. 527-560. Hephaestus completes his illustration of the city at war, and then looks at ploughing and reaping. 

Those who were looking out for them rushed forward, and then they speedily cut off the herds of cattle and the fine flocks of white sheep, and they killed the shepherds as well. And so, when they (i.e. the besiegers) heard the great hubbub over the cattle, as they sat before the place of assembly, they got on their high-stepping horses at once and went in pursuit, and swiftly overtook (them). Then, they joined battle and fought beside the river-banks, and they smote one another with their bronze-tipped spears. And among (them), Strife and Tumult joined in the fray, and among (them too) deadly Fate, bearing one man alive with a fresh wound, and another one unhurt, was dragging a dead man through the rumpus by the feet. And the garment that she wore around her shoulders (was) red with men's blood. And they joined in the fray and fought like living men, and they dragged away one another's bodies after they had been slain.   

And on (it) he made a fallow field of soft rich arable land, broad and triple-tilled; and many ploughmen were spinning their teams on it, and driving (them) to and fro. And when, having turned, they reached the headland of the field, then a man would come forward and put a cup of honey-sweet wine into their hands; and others would turn back along the furrows, eager to reach the headland of the deep fallow field. And behind (them) it turned dark, and looked as if it had been ploughed, although it was made of gold; so the outstanding marvel was made.   

And on (it) he made a king's demesne-land; and there hired labourers were reaping, with sharp sickles in their hands. Some dense handfuls (of corn) fell to the ground in swathes, while binders tied other (clusters) with bands (of straw). Three binders were standing ready; and behind (them) boys kept (them) constantly supplied, collecting (the corn) and bringing (it to them) in armfuls; and, among them, the king, holding his sceptre, was standing in silence by the swathe, joyful at heart. Now, heralds, standing apart beneath an oak-tree, were preparing a feast, and they were busy sacrificing a great ox; and the women were sprinkling white barley in abundance (on the meat) for the reapers' dinner.  

Ll. 561-589. Hephaestus' illustrations move on to vineyards, and the tending of cattle and sheep. 

And on (it) he made a vineyard very heavy with bunches of grapes, fair (and) made of gold; and along (it) there were black grapes, supported by silver poles throughout. And around (it) he set a trench in blue enamel, and a fence of tin; there was only a single path (leading) to it (i.e. the vineyard), on which the bearers went up and down whenever they harvested the vineyard. Maidens and youths with their minds full of glee were carrying the honey-sweet fruit in wicker baskets. And in their midst a boy played a lovely tune on his clear-toned lyre, and in  accompaniment he sang sweetly of Linos in his delicate treble voice; and the others followed (him), bounding on their feet, beating the earth in unison amid dancing and shouting. 

And on (it) he wrought a herd of straight-horned cattle; and the oxen were made of gold and tin, and they hurried with mooing from the farm-yard to their pasture beside the sounding river and the flickering reeds. And four golden herdsmen walked beside the cattle, and nine swift-footed dogs accompanied them. But among the foremost cattle two fearsome lions had caught a bellowing bull, and he was dragged off bellowing loudly; and the dogs and the men followed after him. And they had rent the hide of the great bull and were gulping down its inwards and black blood; and the herdsmen tried in vain to set the swift dogs on (them). but, in truth, with regard to biting they kept away from the lions, though they stood very close and barked as they avoided (them). 

And on (it) the famous lame (god) made a great pasture-ground for white sheep in a fair glen, and stables, and covered huts and sheepfolds. 

Ll. 590-617. Hephaestus completes Achilles' armour and gives it to Thetis. 

And on (it) the renowned lame (god) cunningly wrought a place of dancing, like the one which Daedalus once constructed in broad Knossos for fair-tressed Ariadne. And there young men and maidens worth many oxen (i.e. they were well wooed by suitors) were dancing, holding one another's hands by the wrists (i.e. they had formed a circle). And of these the (maidens) were wearing fine linen garments and the youths were clad in well-woven tunics, faintly glistening with oil. And the (maidens) had lovely garlands (on their heads), and the youths had golden daggers dangling from their silver belts. And sometimes they would run very lightly on cunning feet, as when some potter sits at a wheel that fits in his hands and tries (it) out (to see) if it will spin; and now at other times they would run in rows towards each other. And a great throng (of people) stood around the lovely dance, full of joy; [and a godlike minstrel celebrated with them, playing on the lyre;] and amongst them a pair of acrobats whirled around through their midst as leaders of the dance.  

And on (it) he placed the great might of the river of Ocean around the uttermost rim of the strongly wrought shield.  

Now, when he had wrought the great and sturdy shield, he made him a breastplate brighter than a blaze of fire, and he made him a heavy helmet fitted to his temples, fine and cunningly wrought (it was), and on (it) there burst forth a golden crest, and he made him greaves of tin fit for wear. 

Then, when the famous lame (god) had fashioned all the armour, he took (it) and laid (it) before the mother of Achilles (i.e. Thetis). And like a falcon she sprang down from snowy Olympus, bearing with (her) Hephaestus' glittering armour (i.e. Virgil's 'arma radiantia', see Aeneid VIII, 616).