1. The Iliad Book XXIV Achilles’ Meeting with Priam

2. Book XXIV: Characters Achilles Achilles Hector (corpse) Hector (corpse) Apollo Apollo Hermes Hermes Hera Hera Zeus Zeus Iris Iris Thetis Thetis Priam Priam Hecuba Hecuba Automedon Automedon Alcimus Alcimus Cassandra Cassandra Andromache Andromache Helen Helen

3. Book XXIV: Plot Events Achilles continues the torment of Hector’s body Achilles continues the torment of Hector’s body Gods intervene—Iris visits Thetis, who visits Achilles—urges Achilles to accept the ransom Gods intervene—Iris visits Thetis, who visits Achilles—urges Achilles to accept the ransom Zeus sends Iris to Priam, tells him Hermes will lead him to Achilles Zeus sends Iris to Priam, tells him Hermes will lead him to Achilles Priam loads treasure, makes trip behind the Greek lines, with Hermes leading the way Priam loads treasure, makes trip behind the Greek lines, with Hermes leading the way Priam meets Achilles, begs for Hector’s body Priam meets Achilles, begs for Hector’s body Achilles relents, gives back the body, cries with Priam Achilles relents, gives back the body, cries with Priam

4. Book XXIV: Plot Events Achilles agrees to keep the Greek army back for eleven days. Achilles agrees to keep the Greek army back for eleven days. Priam brings the body of Hector back Priam brings the body of Hector back Cassandra at first reacts Cassandra at first reacts The lament of the three women The lament of the three women Andromache first Andromache first Hecuba second Hecuba second Helen third Helen third Final scene: burial of Hector, breaker of horses. Final scene: burial of Hector, breaker of horses.

5. Book XXIV: Notes Achilles still in turmoil at the beginning of XXIV; tears, no sleep, continuing to torment the body of Hector: Achilles still in turmoil at the beginning of XXIV; tears, no sleep, continuing to torment the body of Hector: Question: what is the psychological state of Achilles? Why does he continue to torment Hector’s corpse? Question: what is the psychological state of Achilles? Why does he continue to torment Hector’s corpse? A mention of Paris’ “blindness,” which lead to him offending “those two goddesses,” Hera and Athena. A mention of Paris’ “blindness,” which lead to him offending “those two goddesses,” Hera and Athena. The beauty contest at the core of events in the Trojan War. Paris’ fatal lust” will bring down a nation The beauty contest at the core of events in the Trojan War. Paris’ fatal lust” will bring down a nation Turn to the Gods, who pity Hector. Apollo rages against Achilles’ “twisted mind,” and wants the torment stopped. It has already gone on for twelve days. Turn to the Gods, who pity Hector. Apollo rages against Achilles’ “twisted mind,” and wants the torment stopped. It has already gone on for twelve days. Note how the Gods take sides: Apollo for the Trojans, Hera for the Greeks. Zeus tries to be the mediator, and says, “Achilles / Must agree to led Priam ransom Hector.” Note how the Gods take sides: Apollo for the Trojans, Hera for the Greeks. Zeus tries to be the mediator, and says, “Achilles / Must agree to led Priam ransom Hector.”

6. Book XXIV: Notes Zeus sends Iris to retrieve Thetis; Zeus has a message for her: “Go quickly and tell your son our will.” Zeus sends Iris to retrieve Thetis; Zeus has a message for her: “Go quickly and tell your son our will.” Question: Does Achilles have a choice here? Can he defy the Gods? Question: Does Achilles have a choice here? Can he defy the Gods? Thetis urges Achilles to accept the ransom. His response: “So be it. Let them ransom the dead / If the god on Olympus wills it so.” Thetis urges Achilles to accept the ransom. His response: “So be it. Let them ransom the dead / If the god on Olympus wills it so.” Analysis**: Achilles’ spirit seems different, more willing to cooperate, less selfish, less prideful. He’s willing to acquiesce to Zeus’ will here. Analysis**: Achilles’ spirit seems different, more willing to cooperate, less selfish, less prideful. He’s willing to acquiesce to Zeus’ will here. Perhaps Patroclus’ death has granted him a new perspective, a new wisdom beyond his petulance and pride. Perhaps Patroclus’ death has granted him a new perspective, a new wisdom beyond his petulance and pride.

7. Book XXIV: Notes Zeus to Iris: Go to Priam and tell him he “need have no fear” in retrieving Hector’s body. Zeus to Iris: Go to Priam and tell him he “need have no fear” in retrieving Hector’s body. Zeus, though seemingly neutral, has sympathy for the Trojans and their plight. Zeus, though seemingly neutral, has sympathy for the Trojans and their plight. Priam: “covered in dung,” in deep grief. When he hears Iris’ message, he immediately agrees to go, but Hecuba thinks he’s crazy: “this is madness.” Priam: “covered in dung,” in deep grief. When he hears Iris’ message, he immediately agrees to go, but Hecuba thinks he’s crazy: “this is madness.” Hecuba understandably hates Achilles with a passion: “I could rip / His liver bleeding from his guts and eat it whole.” Hecuba understandably hates Achilles with a passion: “I could rip / His liver bleeding from his guts and eat it whole.” Priam assures her he has Iris’ assurance he won’t be harmed. Priam assures her he has Iris’ assurance he won’t be harmed. Priam loads the ransom for Achilles: “a dozen beautiful robes,” gold, tripods, and exquisite cup, etc. Priam loads the ransom for Achilles: “a dozen beautiful robes,” gold, tripods, and exquisite cup, etc.

8. Book XXIV: Notes One gets the sense that these things, while valuable, mean little to Achilles. One gets the sense that these things, while valuable, mean little to Achilles. He earlier turned down as much if not more from Agamemnon when his pride was wounded. He earlier turned down as much if not more from Agamemnon when his pride was wounded. Question: how has Achilles grown or matured during the course of the Iliad? Question: how has Achilles grown or matured during the course of the Iliad? Priam’s living sons—know these names: Helenus, Paris, Polites, Deiphobus (there are five more alive as well, a total of nine). Priam’s living sons—know these names: Helenus, Paris, Polites, Deiphobus (there are five more alive as well, a total of nine). Priam calls them “miserable brats” and wishes they were dead rather than Hector. Priam calls them “miserable brats” and wishes they were dead rather than Hector. Troilus: a dead son of Priam, killed earlier in the war by Achilles. His name appears in the Aeneid, and there’s a famous work by Shakespeare called Troilus and Cressida. Troilus: a dead son of Priam, killed earlier in the war by Achilles. His name appears in the Aeneid, and there’s a famous work by Shakespeare called Troilus and Cressida.

9. Book XXIV: Notes Priam makes a prayer to Zeus: send me an omen—the eagle appears. Priam makes a prayer to Zeus: send me an omen—the eagle appears. Note: polytheistic universe of the Iliad, an “active” universe. Pray to the gods, expect a direct response. Much less “faith-driven” than Christianity. Note: polytheistic universe of the Iliad, an “active” universe. Pray to the gods, expect a direct response. Much less “faith-driven” than Christianity. Zeus tells Hermes to lead Priam to the Myrmidon ships. Zeus tells Hermes to lead Priam to the Myrmidon ships. Hermes, in disguise to Priam; pretends to be a Myrmidon Hermes, in disguise to Priam; pretends to be a Myrmidon Hermes to Priam: Hector dead for twelve days, “but his flesh has not decayed... This is how the blessed gods care for your son.” Hermes to Priam: Hector dead for twelve days, “but his flesh has not decayed... This is how the blessed gods care for your son.” They move past the Greek guards, to Achilles’ hut— Hermes then reveals himself to Priam. They move past the Greek guards, to Achilles’ hut— Hermes then reveals himself to Priam.

10. Book XXIV: Notes **Key scene (505-540): Priam in Achilles’ hut, “kissed the dread and murderous hands” of the man who killed Hector. **Key scene (505-540): Priam in Achilles’ hut, “kissed the dread and murderous hands” of the man who killed Hector. What self control it must have taken for Priam to perform this gesture. What self control it must have taken for Priam to perform this gesture. Priam’s words to Achilles: “remember your father, godlike Achilles.. Think of your own father, and pity me... “I have kissed the hand of the man who killed my son.” Incredibly moving scene. Priam’s words to Achilles: “remember your father, godlike Achilles.. Think of your own father, and pity me... “I have kissed the hand of the man who killed my son.” Incredibly moving scene. Achilles’ response: key**: sorrow “ for his own father.” Achilles’ response: key**: sorrow “ for his own father.” The scene is one of tears: Priam weeping for Hector, Achilles “cried for his father and / For Patroclus. The sound filled the room. The scene is one of tears: Priam weeping for Hector, Achilles “cried for his father and / For Patroclus. The sound filled the room.

11. Book XXIV: Notes Quite an image: no talking, just crying. Notice how Achilles has grown—he’s not crying for himself, for his own impending death, but for Patroclus and his father. Quite an image: no talking, just crying. Notice how Achilles has grown—he’s not crying for himself, for his own impending death, but for Patroclus and his father. He’s showing a capacity to care for others here, and will extend this compassion to Priam. He’s showing a capacity to care for others here, and will extend this compassion to Priam. Achilles commends Priam for his “courage” Achilles commends Priam for his “courage” Achilles to Priam: “Yes, the gods have woven pain into mortal lives, / While they are free from care.” In many ways, that’s the theme of the Iliad: how we cope with human suffering and pain. ** Achilles to Priam: “Yes, the gods have woven pain into mortal lives, / While they are free from care.” In many ways, that’s the theme of the Iliad: how we cope with human suffering and pain. ** Key** (575-600): Achilles contemplate the future life of his father, Peleus, who will never see his son succeed him. Achilles really showing concern for others. Key** (575-600): Achilles contemplate the future life of his father, Peleus, who will never see his son succeed him. Achilles really showing concern for others.

12. Book XXIV: Notes Also notes how Priam’s once prosperous fate has changed, and now the gods have “brought you trouble.” A more introspective, mature Achilles is emerging. Also notes how Priam’s once prosperous fate has changed, and now the gods have “brought you trouble.” A more introspective, mature Achilles is emerging. Achilles makes it clear to Priam: it is his (Achilles’) decision to release Hector. Achilles makes it clear to Priam: it is his (Achilles’) decision to release Hector. Achilles still seems somewhat torn; he doesn’t want to disrespect the memory of Patroclus by handing Hector back. Achilles still seems somewhat torn; he doesn’t want to disrespect the memory of Patroclus by handing Hector back. Key** (640-45): Achilles to the body of Patroclus: “Don’t be angry with me, dear friend.” Key** (640-45): Achilles to the body of Patroclus: “Don’t be angry with me, dear friend.” Achilles agrees to release the body to Priam. Achilles agrees to release the body to Priam. Priam: amazed at the form of Achilles: “Then Priam... Gazed for a while / At Achilles, so big, so much like one of the gods.” Priam: amazed at the form of Achilles: “Then Priam... Gazed for a while / At Achilles, so big, so much like one of the gods.”

13. Book XXIV: Notes Achilles is more than a human, but not quite a god: a blend of human and god-like qualities. Achilles is more than a human, but not quite a god: a blend of human and god-like qualities. God-like strength, superhuman, but the emotional weaknesses of a man. God-like strength, superhuman, but the emotional weaknesses of a man. Key**: Achilles’ concern for Priam: “How many days do you need for the funeral? / I will wait that long and hold back the army.” Key**: Achilles’ concern for Priam: “How many days do you need for the funeral? / I will wait that long and hold back the army.” Respect for the grieving process, emotional maturity on the part of Achilles. Truly, a humane gesture here. Respect for the grieving process, emotional maturity on the part of Achilles. Truly, a humane gesture here. Priam’s response: 11 days, “And on the twelfth day fight, if fight we must. Priam’s response: 11 days, “And on the twelfth day fight, if fight we must. “If fight we must” has a tone of weariness to it, as if Priam is tired of this war. “If fight we must” has a tone of weariness to it, as if Priam is tired of this war.

14. Book XXIV: Notes Homer’s lens into the psychology of the soldier: at a point, do you forget the “big picture” and wonder what all this fighting is for? Homer’s lens into the psychology of the soldier: at a point, do you forget the “big picture” and wonder what all this fighting is for? Achilles lay down that night beside “the lovely Briseis.” Homer wants you to have one last look at her, the woman who parallels Helen in causing a “war.” Perhaps “causing” is too strong: What is the role of women in Greek literature? Achilles lay down that night beside “the lovely Briseis.” Homer wants you to have one last look at her, the woman who parallels Helen in causing a “war.” Perhaps “causing” is too strong: What is the role of women in Greek literature? Achilles warns Priam that it’s still dangerous for him, that he must go. Priam returns to the city. Achilles warns Priam that it’s still dangerous for him, that he must go. Priam returns to the city. Cassandra, the sister of Hector, is the first to see him return with Hector’s corpse. Cassandra, the sister of Hector, is the first to see him return with Hector’s corpse. Cassandra’s curse: she is a prophet, but no one will believe her prophecies. Cassandra’s curse: she is a prophet, but no one will believe her prophecies.

15. Book XXIV Notes Andromache is the first of the three women to lament Hector’s death. Andromache is the first of the three women to lament Hector’s death. Andromache: truly a virtuous, selfless woman, one Homer wants you to contrast to Helen. Andromache: truly a virtuous, selfless woman, one Homer wants you to contrast to Helen. Key** Andromache’s eulogy of Hector: “You were our savior / And now you are lost.” Key** Andromache’s eulogy of Hector: “You were our savior / And now you are lost.” Her concern is not for herself but their son, Astyanax, who will never know his father. Her concern is not for herself but their son, Astyanax, who will never know his father. About the "infant son,” she says, “Our son is still an infant, / Doomed when we bore him. I do not think / He will ever reach manhood.” About the "infant son,” she says, “Our son is still an infant, / Doomed when we bore him. I do not think / He will ever reach manhood.” *Note Homer’s compassion for the Trojans here; he wants to depict their suffering. *Note Homer’s compassion for the Trojans here; he wants to depict their suffering.

16. Book XXIV: Notes Hecuba next, sobbing for her son, she calls Hector her “dearest son.” Hecuba next, sobbing for her son, she calls Hector her “dearest son.” Hecuba also says this about Achilles: “He dragged you [Hector] around Patroclus’ tomb, his friend / Whom you killed, but still could not bring him back.” Hecuba also says this about Achilles: “He dragged you [Hector] around Patroclus’ tomb, his friend / Whom you killed, but still could not bring him back.” Is this a realization Achilles had? That no matter what torment he inflicts on Hector, Patroclus’ death remains a stern reality? Is this a realization Achilles had? That no matter what torment he inflicts on Hector, Patroclus’ death remains a stern reality? Must Achilles learn to cope with death in the Iliad, and is this coping a necessary element in his maturation? Must Achilles learn to cope with death in the Iliad, and is this coping a necessary element in his maturation? Is all our maturation, the wisdom that comes through suffering? Is all our maturation, the wisdom that comes through suffering?

17. Book XXIV: Notes Third and final lament: appropriately, from the “cause” of the war, Helen, “The face that launched a thousand ships.” Third and final lament: appropriately, from the “cause” of the war, Helen, “The face that launched a thousand ships.” Hector was “dearer to me by far / Of all my husband’s brothers,” Helen says. Hector was “dearer to me by far / Of all my husband’s brothers,” Helen says. Key** Helen’s grief, guilt: “I should have died first” rather than cause all this misery. Key** Helen’s grief, guilt: “I should have died first” rather than cause all this misery. Homer, unlike Virgil later, wants to complicate Helen’s character a bit by giving you access to her thoughts, her emotions. Homer, unlike Virgil later, wants to complicate Helen’s character a bit by giving you access to her thoughts, her emotions. Hector was always Helen’s defender, calming her detractors with his “gentle heart” and “gentle words.” Truly the heroism of Hector emerges here. Hector was always Helen’s defender, calming her detractors with his “gentle heart” and “gentle words.” Truly the heroism of Hector emerges here.

18. Book XXIV: Notes Helen realizes now that she is without supporters after Hector’s death: “In all wide Troy who will pity me / or be my friend.” Helen realizes now that she is without supporters after Hector’s death: “In all wide Troy who will pity me / or be my friend.” Priam begins the funeral rites: Hector burned on a pyre, his bones then wrapped in “purple robes” and placed in a “golden casket.” Priam begins the funeral rites: Hector burned on a pyre, his bones then wrapped in “purple robes” and placed in a “golden casket.” Rich, vivid detail from Homer here—he wants you to attend Hector’s funeral. Rich, vivid detail from Homer here—he wants you to attend Hector’s funeral. “That was the funeral for Hector, breaker of horses.” “That was the funeral for Hector, breaker of horses.” The war continues, but the Iliad ends on this somber note of mourning, as a great hero has died. The war continues, but the Iliad ends on this somber note of mourning, as a great hero has died. Achilles’ death, as prophesied by Hector, will soon follow, as he is fatally wounded in the heel from a poison arrow, shot by Paris and guided by Apollo. Achilles’ death, as prophesied by Hector, will soon follow, as he is fatally wounded in the heel from a poison arrow, shot by Paris and guided by Apollo.