Iliad Book 18

• How does Achilles react to Antilochus telling him Patroclus is dead?

  He sobs uncontrollably and covers himself in dirt on the ground
• Why does Antilochus want to stay with Achilles after breaking the new of Patroclus' death?

  He is afraid that Achilles might try to commit suicide
• Who hears Achilles cry out and what do they do?

  Thetis -> she gathers her sisters (Nereids) to go to Achilles
• Why does Thetis lament for Achilles?

  She knows his death is near + she can't prevent it
• What does Achilles say about his reasons to live after Patroclus' death?

  He has none other than to kill Hector
• What does Achilles regret and what does he want to do about it?

  He regrets his previous inaction + wants to change so he can help the Greeks defeat the Trojans
• Who does Thetis go to when she realises Achilles has no armour?

  Hephaestus
• What does Thetis tell Achilles to do until she comes back with his armour?

  Stay out of battle
• Who comes down to Achilles from Olympus and who sends them?

  Iris -> Hera (without Zeus' knowledge)
• What does Iris tell Achilles to do?

  Go into battle and scare the Trojans without fighting them (no armour)
• Who goes with Achilles to the battlefield and what do they do?

  Athene -> she gives him her fringed aegis + crown of glowing clouds -> they give war cry together
• Who suggests to Hector that the Trojans should pull back into Troy's walls?

  Polydamas
• What does Zeus make Hector do after Polydamas gives his advice?

  Rejects the advice + calls him a coward
• What does Hector tell his men to do instead of following Polydamas' advice?

  Camp outside the Trojan walls for another night so they can attack again in the morning
• What do the Achaeans do during the night?

  Mourn Patroclus' death
• Why won't Achilles bury Patroclus' body yet despite preparing it for burial?

  Because he has to kill Hector first
• What does Achilles know about his future?

  He will never return home after this war
• Who welcomes Thetis into Hephaestus' home?

  Charis (Hephaestus' wife)
• What does Hephaestus recount about Thetis when she arrives?

  That she cared for him for 9 years after Zeus threw him from Olympus
• What does Thetis lament in Hephaestus' house?

  That she was forced to marry Peleus
• What does the shield that Hephaestus makes for Achilles include?

  Imagery of the entire world

  • Sea
  • Sky
  • Humans
  • Animals
  • Celebrations
  • War
  • Arguments
  • Peace
  • Shepherding
  • Harvest
  • Marriage
• What else does Hephaestus make for Achilles and what does he do with it when he has finished?

  Breastplate + helmet -> lays it at Thetis' feet