Mythology of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Read Mythology of the Iliad and the Odyssey for Free Online

Book: Read Mythology of the Iliad and the Odyssey for Free Online
Authors: Karen Bornemann Spies
angry with Agamemnon that he withdrew from the fighting and refused to let his troops fight with the Greeks.
    Q:
After Achilles withdrew from the fighting, which two warriors faced each other in one-on-one combat? What happened?
    A:
Menelaus and Paris fought as their armies watched. Just as Menelaus was about to drag Paris back to the Greek camp, Aphrodite rescued Paris.
    Q:
What did Agamemnon offer Achilles in return for coming back? How did Achilles answer?
    A:
Agamemnon offered rich treasure and the return of Briseïs. Achilles was insulted, because he considered Agamemnon’s offer to be bribery. He refused to rejoin the Greeks.
    Q:
Which warrior then wore Achilles’ armor and what happened to him?
    A:
Patroclus borrowed the Achilles' armor and led the Myrmidons into battle. At first, the Greeks were winning. Then, Hector killed Patroclus and put on Achilles’ armor.

Achilles Versus Hector
    The death of his friend Patroclus filled Achilles with deep grief—and feelings of revenge. “The very prophecy that my mother revealed to me has come to pass. She said that the best of my Myrmidons would fall at the hands of Trojans while I was alive. I could not prevent this from happening, even though I warned dear Patroclus not to battle Hector.” Achilles rubbed soot and ashes over his face. He rolled in the dirt and tore at his hair and cried out in grief.
    His mother, the sea nymph Thetis, heard his cry and swam up from her cave deep in the sea. “Why so sad, my son?” she asked.
    “Hector has killed my dear friend, Patroclus. I must return to battle and kill Hector in revenge for slaying my comrade,” Achilles said. “Please do not try to hold me back, even though it is fated that my death will follow soon after that of Hector.”
    In tears, Thetis replied, “You are right, my son, you must save your exhausted comrades from defeat. But your own armor is in the hands of the Trojan prince, Hector. Please wait one more day until you return to battle. I will have Hephaestus, the armorer of the gods, craft you a new set of armor.”
    Achilles agreed to wait, but was eager to help the Achaeans recover the body of Patroclus with no further delay. Without any armor, Achilles stood before the Trojans and gave a great war cry. The Trojans panicked and retreated. The Achaeans moved in quickly, retrieved Patroclus’ body, and swept from the battlefield.
    The Trojans discussed what they should do next. Some wanted to retreat within the safety of the walls of Troy rather than fight out in the open now that Achilles had returned to the battlefield. But Hector had tasted of success in battle. “No more should we hide behind our walls. We have driven the Greeks back to their ships. Surely victory is within our grasp. I will meet Achilles in hand-to-hand combat.”
    Hector’s fellow Trojans roared in agreement at his pronouncement. Little did they know that his advice would prove to be folly.
    That night, while Achilles and his men prepared Patroclus’ body for a funeral, Thetis flew up to Mount Olympus to get Achilles’ new armor. Hephaestus had forged a massive shield, a gleaming breastplate, and a sturdy helmet. After Achilles donned the splendid armor, he went to where the Greek leaders were gathered. “Agamemnon, was it better for both of us and for our comrades that we fought over a slave girl?” he asked. “Instead, let us direct our anger toward our true enemy, the Trojans.”
    Agamemnon offered Achilles the gifts he had promised him before, but he would not accept blame for his actions. “Achilles, the gods made me act the way I acted. But what is done is done. Let us stop talking and return to battle!”
    Achilles answered, “King Agamemnon, do whatever pleases you with these gifts. For now, war calls us.”
    The next morning, with this mighty warrior leading them, the Greeks stormed onto the battlefield. Achilles fought like a raging lion, slaughtering many Trojans, including Priam’s beloved son, Polydorus. As

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