The Iliad Review Books 7 10 Book 7

The Iliad Review Books 7 -10

Book 7 & 8 n n Hector and Paris rejoin the Trojan forces Athena and Apollo watch the slaughter until they decide the battling needs to end for the day by having a duel between Hector and a Greek warrior Hector is known to be a great warrior so at first, no one sets up Ajax ends up fighting him. Neither can win. As it gets dark, Zeus sends heralds to end it and the warriors exchange gifts in respect for each other.

Books 7 & 8 n n n At night – Greeks talk about asking for a truce so they can bury their dead and funerals can be held. They also want to use this time to build a wall and a trench to protect their ships. The Trojans have the same idea. They also tell Paris to return Helen. Paris refuses but offers to return all the treasure he took along with Helen and also some of his own treasure. They approach the Greeks – they refuse Paris’ offer, but accept the truce.

Books 7 & 8 n n The next morning, both armies collect their dead and bury them. Then, they feast Zeus – tells the other gods/goddesses that he is planning on ending the war soon and any of them that intervenes will be punished. (Although Athena asks to advise the Greeks and Zeus consents) As the fighting continues the next day, Zeus gives the victory to Troy for the day. Hera asks Poseidon for his help on the Greek side. Poseidon says no.

Book 7 & 8 Hector is everywhere on the battlefield – fighting everyone and pushing the Greeks back n Hector makes all the Trojans sleep in the battlefield after pushing the Greeks back behind their walls. They use supplies and burn fires all night to remind the Greeks they are there. n

Book 9 The Greeks are so demoralized – even the king breaks down crying and suggests sailing home. n Diomedes refuses to leave and says he will stay there by himself to fight. n Reminds them that it is said Troy will eventually fall. n Troops are ready to go after the pep talk. n

Book 9 n n n Later on, the council reminds Agamemnon that the absence of Achilles is causing their present distress King admits he was unwise to insult such a great warrior. He sends Ajax and Odysseus to offer all the gifts/treasure to Achilles to come back to war. Achilles turns it down. (Tipping the moral balance against him) The offer was more than generous. His pride is getting in the way MAJOR TURNING POINT

Book 10 n n n Agamemnon is unable to sleep – so he wakes his council; they check the walls and have a meeting. They send Diomedes and Odysseus behind enemy lines – they capture a Trojan Before killing him, he tells them where Hector and his staff are and key information about the various units in the Trojan army. They offer the Trojan man’s armor to Athena as a trophy. They return to rejoicing and feasting!