Iliad Book 24

• How is Achilles feeling at the start of Book 24 and what does he do to show it?

  Grief -> in rage, he drags Hector's body around Patroclus' funeral mound on the back of his chariot
• Which god intervenes in Achilles trying to desecrate Hector? How?

  Apollo -> he prevents Hector's body from decaying or being harmed by Achilles out of pity
• What do the gods plan to do since they pity Hector?

  Ask Hermes to go and steal his body from Achilles
• Who won't let Hermes take Hector's body? Why?

  Hera -> she hates the Trojans since Paris insulted her by choosing Aphrodite over her at Peleus + Thetis' wedding
• How many days does it take for Apollo to call for an assembly with the other gods to talk about Hector's body?

  12
• Why does Apollo believe they should save Hector's body?

  Hector was very faithful + much loved by the gods -> he believes that Achilles' abuse towards Hector's body is disrespectful
• What does Hera say in response to Apollo wanting to save Hector's body?

  Achilles + Hector can never be equals since Achilles is a demigod
• What is Zeus' decision on the matter regarding Hector's body?

  He agrees with Hera that Hector + Achilles aren't equals but also reminds her that the gods loved Hector

  • He orders Iris to summon Thetis to Olympus
  • He instructs Thetis to tell Achilles to give Hector's body back to Priam + Priam will give him a ransom
• What does Thetis do before telling Achilles of Zeus' decree?

  Comforts him
• How does Achilles react to Thetis' news about Zeus' orders?

  He accepts Zeus' decree -> "If the Olympian is in earnest and himself commands me, then bring in the man who would offer a ransom and take the body away"