HOMER: The Iliad [Book IX]

In Book IX of Homer’s Iliad, Agamemnon summons the other Greek generals to discuss their most recent defeat at the hands of the Trojans. He argues that they should admit defeat and return to Greece. Diomedes, however, opposes Agamemnon’s motion and calls Agamemnon a coward for even thinking of abandoning the expedition. Nestor seconds Diomedes’ motion and urges Agamemnon to seek Achilles’ forgiveness so that he will return to the fighting.

HOMER: The Iliad [Book VIII]

In Book VIII of Homer’s Iliad, Jove summons the gods and threatens them with the pains of Tartarus if they interfere with the Trojan War. He then travels to Mt. Ida, where he overlooks the war and balances the Fates of the Trojans and the Greeks in a golden scale. The Fate of the Greeks descends and Jove throws lightning at the Greeks, driving them to their ships behind their newly constructed fortifications.

HOMER: The Iliad [Book VII]

In Book VII of Homer’s Iliad, the Trojan Prince Hector returns to the battlefield. His return renews the fighting and the Trojans begin to rout the Greeks. Athena, a goddess who favors the Greeks, and Apollo, a god who favors the Trojans, agree to end the fighting today by inciting Hector to challenge a Greek to a one-on-one duel.

HOMER: The Iliad [Book VI]

In Book VI of Homer’s Iliad, Diomedes continues to massacre the Trojans. Helenus, the chief Trojan prophet, urges Hector to return to Troy and command the Trojan matrons to pray to Minerva to remove Diomedes from the battlefield. Hector heeds the prophet’s advice and retreats to the city.